Using Concept Mapping to Explore and Engage Parent and Youth Residents of an Economically Underserved Minority Community around Children's Asthma

Background. Asthma continues to disproportionately impact children living in economically underserved urban neighborhoods, and contributes to persistent racial and economic disparities in health. Furthermore, asthma is often exacerbated by the presence of social and environmental factors that are prevalent in, and sometimes particular to, these communities. Objectives. The present study uses a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to explore and de-fine the experience and issues around children's asthma in an economically underserved community. These findings will be used to inform the design of a community intervention. Methods. Through a community and academic partnership called Healthy Living, Healthy Learning, Healthy Lives (HL3), we engaged neighborhood youth and adult residents (N = 21) in a concept mapping activity to identify triggers and health care-related factors that influence children with asthma. Results. Findings highlight that the most important triggers of asthma included indoor and outdoor irritants and allergens, as well as violence and fear-related emotions. The most important factors perceived to influence the care of asthma included medical relievers such as asthma medication, appliances such as a humidifier, and supports for asthma like the school nurse. Differences between adults and youth perceptions of factors triggering and influencing asthma are highlighted. Conclusions. Engaging community residents as experts provided a deeper understanding of the issues around children's asthma in the community, which can contribute to the design of a more effective intervention.