Community-based research to address asthma management and prevention

Background: This project represents a partnership between the Office of Community Engagement from the SC Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Breathe LA (BLA) - a non-profit organization committed to improving lung health and air quality through education and practice - and COPE Health Solutions, a healthcare management group which facilitates a consortium of community clinics to improve communication and coordination of services. This group formed to address high rates of childhood asthma in communities within Los Angeles County (LAC). In some areas of LAC, asthma rates are as high as 22% among children age 5-17, compared with 15.6%, 18%, and 14.2% in LAC, California, and the US, respectively. Methods: This project utilized Photovoice to identify knowledge and perceptions of asthma triggers and management with the goal of developing culturally relevant interventions. A total of 12 Photovoice sessions (6 for students; 6 for adults) were convened to identify challenges from both child and parent perspectives. Data from these sessions were then used to adapt the BLA asthma program. Results: Based on data from the Photovoice sessions and a review of evidence-based practices, our community advisory board recommended new areas to include in the adapted curriculum (e.g., allergy comorbidity, development and review of an asthma plan, coping techniques for emotional and physical support). Conclusion: Photovoice is an appropriate method to obtain data that requires children to describe troubling or challenging situations. The adapted curriculum will next be pilot-tested with after-school populations to assess acceptability and feasibility.