How families manage the home environment for young people with asthma
and allergic sensitisation: a qualitative study
Abstract
Background & aim: Children and young people (CYP) with severe,
sub-optimally controlled asthma and co-existing allergic sensitisation
to indoor aeroallergens, such as pet dander and house dust mite (HDM),
would likely benefit from reduced allergen exposure. Multiple allergen
remediation interventions exist and are often suggested to families in
secondary care asthma clinics in the United Kingdom. Evidence suggests
remediation uptake is low or partial but there is sparse evidence to
explain why. This study aims to explain how families in this situation
make decisions about home-based allergen remediations. Methods:
In-depth qualitative interviews with CYP and mothers were analysed, and
a grounded theory approach was used to develop a theory to explain
decision-making processes and behaviours. Results: Ten CYP aged
11-15 years and 11 mothers were interviewed. The core finding was that
families iteratively respond to changes in how certain they are in their
asthma management decisions and actions. For allergen remediation
uptake, this certainty varied depending on seeing an outcome-exposure
relationship, understanding asthma severity, variability, and asthma
control at the time of remediation decision-making. Understanding the
mechanistic role of allergen exposures in asthma was challenging for
families, and ongoing bi-directional communication with clinicians was
essential in supporting long-term decision-making. Conclusion:
The theory explains the often elongated, reactive process of allergen
remediation decision making and implementation. It also explains other
elements of family management of asthma, and their interconnections.
Families’ iterative responsiveness suggests opportunities to intervene
and promote earlier, preventative behaviour change.