Program element | Relevance |
---|---|
Program staff | Intervention counselors are African-American women, to enhance rapport with participants. Non-counseling staff are trained in issues related to cultural sensitivity. |
Participant visuals | Photographs in workbook represent a diversity of African American women and families. Photos of telephone counselors included in workbook. |
Workbook content | Use of culturally-relevant activities when discussing potential triggers (e.g., nail salons, church and family gatherings). Use of culturally-relevant examples in list of potential asthma-management problems (e.g., asthma medicine is expensive so I only buy it when my symptoms are bad, my family thinks prayer is all I need to take care of my asthma). |
Telephone session content | Culturally-linked factors addressed by telephone counselors during program sessions, where relevant: --Potential perception that asthma is life-threatening and that fears, if not managed, can block effective action. --The role that being overweight may play in worsening asthma symptoms. --Impact of time and family responsibilities, including extended family. --Economic constraints in managing asthma. --The importance of community life and the potential influence on asthma management of the beliefs of other women in their social circles. --Potential use of alternative therapies. --Possibility of frequent asthma symptoms. --Possibility of use of urgent and emergency services for asthma as a regular feature of care. --Possibility of not using anti-inflammatory medicine. --Generation of a potential allergy profile to help in formulating strategies related to environmental control, potential seasons of increased risk, and the relationship between asthma and rhinitis. -Effective communication with health care team and other sources of support. |