Asthma Education Source Preferences Among Brooklyn Residents and Their Relation to Asthma Knowledge

Background: This study recounts the findings from a year-long survey of Brooklyn residents. Survey respondents were questioned about their knowledge of asthma signs, triggers, symptoms and their attitudes and beliefs about asthma. If they had asthma or were responsible for a child or adult who had asthma they were asked questions to determine how well that asthma was controlled. They were also questioned about their preferred sources of asthma information.

Program background: The Brenda Pillors Asthma Education Program is a grant funded organization with a mission to promote better health through asthma education for Brooklyn, NY residents.

Evaluation Methods and Results: Sidewalk intercept surveys of 300 respondents were conducted over the course of a year. Descriptive and inferential statistics indicate that the survey respondents (mostly African America, middle aged, females) were generally knowledgeable about asthma, although they shared some misconceptions about asthma treatments and triggers. More importantly, they showed a marked preference for obtaining their asthma information from traditional Western medicine providers rather than friends, family members, alternative or complimentary medicine providers or spiritual leaders. This preference is contrary to much of the current literature, which emphasizes the virtual necessity of presenting health communication through faith-based, community channels. 

Conclusions: Information source preferences should be taken into consideration when preparing to invest resources in a health communication program. However, communicators should be aware that the audiences they wish to reach don't always have preferences that match those described in the literature.

Implications for research and/or practice: This information is useful in guiding investments of time and resources for health education programs. It is also useful for planning health care education programs for a variety of disorders, including high blood pressure and diabetes as well as asthma.