What are caregivers’ experiences of managing the environmental triggers and modifiable behaviours associated with asthma exacerbations in Children and Young People? (ID 658)
Lancaster University, Division of Health Research
Abstract
Background: Hospital admissions for asthma are reducing across England (Fingertips Public Health Profiles) however improvement is unequal with children and young people (CYP) in socioeconomically deprived communities experiencing poorer outcomes. This systematic review will increase understanding of the challenges faced in improving modifiable behavioural and environmental risk factors for asthma exacerbations, forming a foundation to explore the broader context of caregiver need, service design and delivery in areas of socio-economic deprivation.
Aim: The aim of this literature review is to develop a picture of the current situation as experienced by caregivers and families of CYP with asthma.
• Looking from the family perspective we will explore the way families perceive, adopt and maintain interventions for mitigating behavioural and environmental triggers of asthma exacerbations.
• We will explore how caregivers experience policy driven interventions that influence asthma outcomes for CYP.
Methods: A systematic methodology and narrative synthesis are being conducted.
• Literature searches were conducted across a wide range of databases, limited to English, up to 1 March 2025.
• Studies were limited to OCED countries excluding Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Switzerland and Turkey which are less comparable to the UK due to having a highly separated system for provision of healthcare.
• Any study design was included where caregiver experiences of managing environmental and behavioural triggers associated with asthma exacerbations in children and young people were directly captured.
• Papers solely focusing on epidemiology, mechanisms, genetics, physiology/pathophysiology of asthma or allergic responses were excluded.
• Following title, abstract and full test screening data was critically appraised.
Narrative synthesis is being undertaken. By August 2025, the review will be complete so the full findings can be included.
Results: Preliminary findings from the review indicate three themes that complicate family management of asthma triggers:
• A lack of information for informed decision making. e.g. around exercise participation.
• Mitigation or changes perceived to be outside caregivers’ sphere of control e.g. remediation of damp in rented properties.
• The impact on family life e.g. unable to challenge extended family behaviours for fear of upset, or withdrawal of support.
Funding: None
Conflicts of interest: None
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