Details:

Alternative Title:
Prev Chronic Dis
Personal Author:
Watson, Rob ; Castleden, Heather ; Masuda, Jeffrey ; King, Malcolm ; Stewart, Miriam
Watson, Rob ; Castleden, Heather ; Masuda, Jeffrey ; King, Malcolm ; Stewart, Miriam Less -
Corporate Authors:
Tui’kn Partnership
Description:
Introduction

Asthma is the most common chronic condition affecting Aboriginal youth aged 8 to 12 years in Canada. Research investigating psychosocial challenges associated with asthma is limited. This study examines support resources, support-seeking strategies, support and education needs, and intervention preferences of Aboriginal youth with asthma and their caregivers in an effort to encourage community-wide, health-promoting behaviors.

Methods

We employed a community-based participatory research design to conduct interviews with 21 youths aged 8 to 12 years and 17 caregivers from 5 Mi’kmaq communities in Unama’ki (Cape Breton) Nova Scotia, Canada. After conducting interviews that explored existing and desired social, educational, and health support in participating communities, we held a 2-day asthma camp to engage participants in asthma education, social support networking, and cultural activities. At the camp, we collected data through participant observation, sharing circles, focus groups, and youth drawings of their experiences living with asthma.

Results

Our study yielded 4 key findings: 1) asthma triggers included household mold, indoor smoking, pets, season change, strenuous exercise, extreme cold, and humidity; 2) social and educational support is lacking in Mi’kmaq communities despite a strong desire for these services; 3) cultural, linguistic, and geographic barriers to accessing support exist; and 4) family members are primary support resources.

Conclusion

Improved support and educational resources are needed to foster effective Mi’kmaq asthma support networks. Future asthma interventions for marginalized populations must be culturally meaningful and linguistically accessible to those using and providing asthma support.


Subject:
[+]
Adolescent
Asthma
Caregivers
Child
Community-Based Participatory Research
Environmental Exposure
Family Health
Female
Health Promotion
Health Services Needs And Demand
Humans
Interviews As Topic
Male
Native Hawaiian Or Other Pacific Islander
Patient Education As Topic
Population Surveillance
Residence Characteristics
Social Support

Source:
Prev Chronic Dis. 9.
Document Type:
Journal Article
Collection(s):
Preventing Chronic Disease
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:a839e95fcf6f0e3595145138d9d9b711349081d09d00259d2bcbcfa759b8826e
File Type:

Supporting Files

• 	license.txt	txt
  	PCD-9-E139.nxml	txt
  	PCD-9-E139s01.gif	gif
  	PCD-9-E139s01.jpg	jpeg

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