{
  "abstract": "Introduction and Objectives NICE and GINA guidelines recognise that ethnicity can impact asthma outcomes, with South Asian and Afro-Caribbean populations experiencing higher rates of asthma-related morbidity and hospitalizations compared to the White British population. It has been suggested that a number of culturally specific factors might explain the impact of ethnicity on health outcomes and that cultural sensitivity is paramount in the managing asthma and addressing health inqualities1,2 3.Method A qualitative study was conducted in 2014 to explore the perceptions of South-Asian asthmatics, aged > 18 years on their understanding of asthma, its impact on health and to identify any cultural beliefs and barriers that may influence their management. Views were sought on the development of culturally sensitive services. Data was collected through four focus groups, in 4 community settings in Leicester City. Participants were from Moslem, Punjabi and Hindu backgrounds. The resulting data was analysed using thematic framework analysis.Results The majority of participants (N=48) were aware of asthma triggers and were actively avoiding these. Although many were confident of the beneficial effects of homemade remedies, none were substituting them for prescribed medicines. Most participants understood asthma is prevalent within South-Asian communities. There was a consensus that inhalers were not used in public due to stigmas attached to asthma within the South-Asian community. Although language was a barrier for some, participants had found effective ways of overcoming this, including using family members and translators to interpret. Barriers to the provision of information were highlighted. All participants placed their trust in healthcare professionals (HCPs), but believed time constraints restricted appropriate counselling. There was agreement that educational materials in picture format, or digital in their preferred language would support this.Conclusion Trust in the advice was a key finding. HCPs need to educate and address concerns within the South-Asian community about asthma whilst taking into account patients’ cultural beliefs that influence their management. This study was conducted in 2014, however, the findings still resonate with the current literature highlighting valuable insights of the importance of social and cultural factors that influence the management of asthma in the South Asian community.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "De Montfort University, Leicester, UK"
      ],
      "name": "N Lakhani"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "De Montfort University, Leicester, UK"
      ],
      "name": "A Mahmood"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "De Montfort University, Leicester, UK"
      ],
      "name": "D Wensley"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "De Montfort University, Leicester, UK"
      ],
      "name": "P Rivers"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Leicestershire and Rutland Training Hub, Leicester, UK"
      ],
      "name": "A Bharkhada"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK"
      ],
      "name": "AC Murphy"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P65 Exploration of the perceptions of south asian patients with asthma: south asian respiratory interventions (SARIs) study",
  "uid": "380f0911-ba49-5766-8a81-fbd3a36f4344"
}