G450 An integrated approach using qualitative methods to identify perceptions of asthma in british south asian and white british children

Abstract

Background and aims Childhood asthma places a significant physical, financial, and psychological burden on patients, families, communities and the healthcare system. Current research indicates certain minority ethnic groups, especially South Asian children, encounter inequalities in asthma management and outcomes. Furthermore, children’s views and aspirations are infrequently evaluated. We report here the process of encouraging children’s participation in a multiphase participatory the Management in Asthma (MiA) study. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of asthma and its management in British South Asian (BSA) and White British (WB) children, using adapted qualitative methods. Methods Two qualitative methods were used: semi-structured interview and prioritisation workshop, adapted to encourage children’s participation (table 1). 14 themes for optimising asthma management identified from the semi-structured interviews and were used in the ranking exercises. Children ranked these themes by linear (LI, non-equal ranking), diamond (DA, equal ranking permitted) and budget pie (BP, ranking by funds allocation). Results Semi-structured interviews with children, with or without parents/guardian present (33 BSA and 14 WB children with asthma aged 5–12-years-old) revealed considerable similarities in experiences of asthma, notably inadequate holistic approach to asthma management amongst healthcare professionals and the role of schools and peers in children’s asthma perception and management. Barriers to health information provision existed in both groups. Consistently, WB children’s perception of asthma aetiology was different from BSA children. In all the ranking methods, children (21 BSA and 1 WB child aged 5––12-years-old) highly prioritised acute attacks according to their perceived health importance. ‘Strength of opinion’ was demonstrated in BP, as acute attack received £1430 in total, whilst the 2nd place theme only received £610. Conclusion Future intervention in children with asthma may wish to focus on managing acute attacks by a holistic approach, by involving schools, families and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, ethnospecific divergent beliefs about asthma aetiology can be tackled by a targeted educational programme.