Barriers and facilitators to self-management of asthma in Pacific children

Asthma prevalence in New Zealand is among the highest in the world with one in nine adults and one in seven children affected, with a disproportionately high and persistent burden among Pacific populations and Māori. Despite the availability of established and effective asthma self-management plans, asthma outcomes and control continues to be poor among Pacific populations in New Zealand. We propose a mixed method research project to assess the availability and usage of asthma self-management plans. We will conduct focus groups and interviews to gain a broader insight into the barriers and facilitators to self-management of asthma from the perspective and experiences of asthma clients, parents and health care providers. The study findings will be the basis for the development of a culturally appropriate and relevant intervention to support Pacific clients, families and health care providers to enable them to better manage asthma.