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Published on: November 4, 2010
Perceptions of pediatric asthma in African American underserved families using metaphorical analysis
Molly McClelland1, Cathy Wenz, Kush Sood
1University of Detroit Mercy, College of Health Professions, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Purpose:
The purpose was to understand how African American children with asthma and their families living in underserved urban areas experience and perceive asthma.
Design And Methods:
A narrative inquiry design with metaphorical analysis was used in this study with 20 African American children and their 10 families.
Results:
Participants metaphorically viewed the family system as a functioning healthcare facility. Children didn't find their asthma abnormal but did use asthma symptoms to their advantage. Caregivers were viewed as first-line medical responders but often made errors in delivering medical treatment. Lack of knowledge relating to appropriate asthma interventions led to insufficient asthma care.
Practice Implications:
Results provide evidence to improve patient-nurse interactions for this vulnerable patient group.
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