Coping with asthma in immigrant Hispanic families: a focus group study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Qualitative Research
• Family Studies

Background:

• Limited understanding of childhood asthma's impact on immigrant Hispanic families in the U.S.
• Qualitative research is crucial for exploring family context, social, cultural, functional, and structural aspects of asthma.
• Culturally sensitive interventions require in-depth knowledge of these families' experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• Describe caregiver roles in managing childhood asthma within Hispanic families.
• Compare asthma care patterns based on parents' country of origin.
• Identify barriers and coping needs for low-income, immigrant Hispanic families managing childhood asthma.

Main Methods:

• Conducted five focus groups with Spanish-speaking, immigrant Hispanic adults (caregivers, community health workers, women with asthma).
• Transcribed and translated focus group data (Spanish to English and back).
• Employed qualitative analytic methods for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Forty-one participants from diverse origins revealed varied themes among caregivers and genders.
• Strong reliance on folk medicine was reported across all participant groups.
• Identified barriers included language, cultural differences, poverty, lack of insurance, and poor living conditions.

Conclusions:

• Asthma self-management skills are lacking, and diagnostic uncertainty is prevalent.
• Cultural beliefs, including the use of folk medicine, must be considered in interventions.
• Tailoring interventions to address specific barriers is essential for improving asthma outcomes in this population.