Experiences addressing health-related financial challenges with disease management among African American women with asthma. (June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patel, Minal R.; Caldwell, Cleopatra H.; Id-Deen, Effat; Clark, Noreen M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of asthma. Volume 51:Number 5(2014)
• Page Start: 467
• Page End: 473
• Publication Date: 2014-06
• Subjects: Asthma -- Periodicals; 616.238005
• DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2014.885040
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-0903

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Objective</italic>: Despite economic hardship, compliance with self-management regimens is still evident among individuals and families managing chronic disease. The purpose of this study was to describe how women with asthma address cost-related challenges to management of their condition. <italic>Methods</italic>: In 2012 and 2013, four focus groups were conducted in Southeast Michigan with 26 African American women with asthma, recruited based on maximum variation sampling procedures. A semi-structured interview protocol was employed by trained facilitators. Coded transcripts were analyzed for themes regarding means to reduce the impact of the cost of asthma management. <italic>Results</italic>: Major themes identified were acceptance of the status quo; stockpiling and sharing medicines; utilizing community assistance programs; reaching out to healthcare providers and social networks for help; foregoing self-management; and utilizing urgent care. <italic>Conclusions</italic>: Awareness of strategies that are helpful to patients in reducing out-of-pocket costs may better equip service providers and others to develop interventions to make useful strategies more widely available.</p> </abstract>