HISPANIC CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA: VIEWS ON EXERCISE

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explicate predominant concepts involved with exercise perceptions among Hispanic children with asthma. Aims included, 1) testing the previously developed grounded theory: “the process of creating perceptions of exercise”, by explicating predominant concepts in exercise perceptions among an ethnically diverse population of Hispanic children with asthma in order to broaden previous findings and 2) to develop a new and/or modified explanatory grounded theory relevant to exercise perceptions of Hispanic children with asthma.

Background: Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children, currently effecting 9.6% of all U.S. children. The Burden of Asthma is particularly heavy among Hispanic children who face many barriers leading to inadequate diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Asthma prevalence among Hispanics varies from 3.4%- 16%. Hispanic children often receive less treatment for their asthma, leading to frequent hospital visits, causing stress and financial burdens for families and health care institutions. Hispanic children have the highest rate of obesity (43%) and this population participates less in physical activity when compared to Non-Hispanic Caucasian classmates. This is a critical concern because involvement in exercise plays a health promoting role among children with asthma by decreasing symptom severity and improving quality of life.

Theoretical Framework: The study was guided by the grounded theory: “the process of creating perceptions of exercise” (Shaw & Davis, 2011). Exercise perceptions can be described as the values, beliefs, and thoughts the participants form towards exercise. Perceptions may be created as a negative or positive outcome of the process dependent upon the various influencers involved in the lives of children with asthma.

Methods: Grounded theory (GT) was used as the methodological approach for the study. GT illuminated important components of exercise perceptions directly from the participants. Participants included Hispanic children, ages 8-14 years old, with asthma and their families. Professionals who work closely with Hispanic children with asthma were also interviewed as the study progressed. Fifteen participants were interviewed. As the children, families, and professionals shared their unique experiences, predominate concepts began to emerge. Theory was then developed through iterative analysis.

Results/Implications: The findings from this study supported the previously identified grounded theory, “the process of creating perceptions of exercise.” The addition of input by Hispanic children with asthma further credited the four predominant categories: perceived benefits, striving for normalcy, exercise influences, and asthma’s influence. The data clearly supported all previously identified categories and concepts. Although no new categories or concepts emerged from this study, the influence of parents was extremely evident among this population and should be considered when developing interventions. Although asthma has no current cure, if treated appropriately, the disease can be well controlled. National treatment guidelines include the prescription of exercise for children with asthma. This study adds the unique perspectives of Hispanic children with asthma to the previously identified grounded theory, “the process of creating perceptions of exercise.” The theory can be utilized to assist in the development of nursing interventions aimed at increasing exercise participation among Hispanic children with asthma.