The impact of ethnicity on asthma care

Abstract Asthma is a significant global health problem. Asthma prevalence, its related health outcomes, and associated healthcare utilisation, varyby population group both across and within nations. Evidence of ethnic variations in the prevalence and outcomes of asthma withinnations have been well documented. This review examines the impact of ethnicity on asthma, with a focus on the literature from the UKand the USA. Explanations for the unequal burden of disease experienced by ethnic minority groups include: their health beliefs,attitudes, experiences and behaviours; the problem of poor health literacy, which tends to compound the challenges inherent in cross-cultural communication; concerns about the quality of care; and the relatively poor socio-economic position of minority ethnic groupsand how this impacts on the wider determinants of health. We conclude by suggesting research priorities for asthma and ethnicity, alongwith practical actions within a collaborative care model. © 2010 Primary Care Respiratory Society UK. All rights reserved.E Davidson