Abstract
Introduction: Asthma is the most common chronic disease found in young children. Asian Indians are second largest Asian immigrant population and the fastest growing group in the United States. As this segment of the population in the US grows and utilizes the health care system, more physicians will encounter increased burden of asthma cases. Objective: To outline the cultural factors and health beliefs in the Asian Indian population which impact the care and outcome of these patients. Methods: Three cases are described in which the care of the child with asthma had been impacted due to cultural factors or limitations resulting from health beliefs. The common cultural factors researched in the reported literature along with the experiences of various physicians are outlined. Result: Reported beliefs include concern and denial in Asian Indian mothers when given a diagnosis of asthma in their child. Due to the fear of use of preventive medications such as inhaled corticosteroids and not being completely confident in the medical system, they may not feel comfortable with the recommendations that are made for control of their asthma. Conclusion: Enhanced knowledge with empowerment of the provider will improve communication and compliance of the patient and an improved collaboration between the patient and health care provider leading to better health outcomes in Asian Indian patients with asthma.
Published Version
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