ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose was to understand how African American children with asthma and their families living in underserved urban areas experience and perceive asthma. DESIGN AND METHODS: A narrative inquiry design with metaphorical analysis was used in this study with 20 African American children and their 10 families. RESULTS: Participants metaphorically viewed the family system as a functioning healthcare facility. Children didn't find their asthma abnormal but did use asthma symptoms to their advantage. Caregivers were viewed as first-line medical responders but often made errors in delivering medical treatment. Lack of knowledge relating to appropriate asthma interventions led to insufficient asthma care. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Results provide evidence to improve patient-nurse interactions for this vulnerable patient group.
