Impact of COVID-19 on native Hawaiians with asthma in Hawaii

ABSTRACT

Introduction/Aim: Asthma remains the leading cause of chronic respiratory illness among Native Hawaiian (NH) adults in Hawaii. People with moderate to severe asthma are at a higher risk for developing severe respiratory symptoms caused by COVID-19. The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people with asthma take extra precautions to prevent exposure to COVID-19. These recommendations include social/physical distancing, avoiding large crowds, staying home whenever possible, controlling asthma with medications and using an asthma action plan. The purpose of this study is to describe the impact COVID-19 had on asthma and asthma management among Native Hawaiian adults in Hawaii. Method(s) A qualitative interview using a cultural approach of kukakuka (talk story) was conducted to learn more about how participants managed their asthma since March 2020 and to understand the impact COVID-19 had on their management. Thematic content analysis was used to identify main themes. Result(s) 25 interviews were conducted between October 2021 and September 2022. Participants self-identified as Native Hawaiian and resided within the State of Hawaii. Ages ranged from 22 to 87 with majority of participants identifying as female. Three main themes emerged from the 25 participant interviews. The themes included (1) asthma support, (2) lifestyle strategies to manage asthma, and (3) worry over COVID-19. Conclusion(s) The impact of COVID-19 increased preventative behaviors among Native Hawaiian adults with asthma. Participant's worry over COVID-19 resulted in vigilant behaviour with a reduction in reported asthma episodes. In addition, participants adjusted their lifestyle and found support through technology. These findings lend itself to developing a survey to explore behavioural practices related to prevention of other respiratory illnesses which can exacerbate asthma such as the seasonal flu as well as on-line resources to provide preventative strategies to reduce illness transmission.