A study led by Massey University to look at the barriers to self-management of asthma in Pacific children has been awarded $971,541 by the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

“Pacific people are three times more likely to be hospitalised with asthma than Europeans or other New Zealanders,” said the university’s Centre for Public Health Research Principal Investigator, Dr Sunia Foliaki.

Asthma prevalence in New Zealand is among the highest in the world with one in nine adults and one in seven children affected. Among Pacific populations and Maori, it is a disproportionately high and persistent burden.

And even though there are effective asthma self-management plans available, asthma outcomes and control continue to be poor among Pacific populations in New Zealand.

“This can be attributed in part to health literacy regarding asthma, its appropriate management at early stages and access to appropriate medication,” said Dr Foliaki.

“As part of the study, 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 findings of the 36-month study will form the basis to develop a culturally appropriate and relevant intervention to support Pacific clients, families and health care providers to better manage asthma.

- By Eleanor Gee.