Children's Perceptions of Asthma: African American Children Use Metaphors to Make Sense of Asthma
published online 27 February 2008.
Abstract
Introduction
Children's views of their illness often are absent in decisions that affect their lives. This research, which is a component of a larger study, reports how African American children described their asthma.
Method
The study's design was descriptive and longitudinal, using an ethnographic approach. A subsample of 10 children diagnosed with asthma who resided in one of two study sites spontaneously described their asthma. The study was conducted in various settings where the researchers observed/participated in selected activities. Participants were interviewed several times, and field notes were recorded.
Results
The qualitative findings are from participant observation and interviews of 10 children ages 9 to 12 years. Four of the most developed metaphors are reported here. Out of their experiences, children created their own metaphors for asthma that are concrete, familiar, and multi-vocal, allowing for embellishment.
Discussion
Not all children use metaphors to explain or describe their asthma. Children who explain asthma in their own terms will feel valued and invested in their own health care as they find that their voices make a difference in decisions about their care.
Correspondence: Jane W. Peterson, RN, PhD, Seattle University, College of Nursing, 901 12th Ave, PO Box 222000, Seattle, WA 98122-1090
This work was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, as a Research Supplement for Underrepresented Minority Investigators to grant No. U01 A139761.
ABSTRACT