Children's Asthma Experience and the Importance of Place

Bibliographic Data

ID4218128
AuthorsKirsten Rudestam (0000-0002-8031-643X, Santa Barbara Community Environmental Council, Brown University, Brown University & Brown University, USA), Phil Brown (0000-0001-7627-5228, Santa Barbara Community Environmental Council, Brown University, Brown University & Brown University, USA,, corresponding author), Christina Zarcadoolas (0009-0009-0232-8951, Santa Barbara Community Environmental Council, Brown University, Brown University & Brown University, USA), Catherine Mansell (Santa Barbara Community Environmental Council, Brown University, Brown University & Brown University, USA)
Year2004
Volume8
Issue4
Pages423-444
Publication date2004-10-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHealth An Interdisciplinary Journal for the Social Study of Health Illness and Medicine (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1363-4593 • E-ISSN: 1461-7196
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1363459304045697
PMID15358897
OpenAlexW2033048342
LanguageEN
Citations received11
References cited35

Asthma is increasing dramatically among poor, inner-city children. Fourteen children with, and twelve without, asthma were interviewed and observed to examine how children with asthma understand their illness and how the asthma experience shapes their sense of place. Quantitative data showed no difference in objective preferences for particular places, but qualitative analysis showed important differences. We identified eight place-related themes, and on seven there were clear differences between children with and without asthma - offering freedom, being aesthetically pleasing, being comfortable, nature of social contact, being isolating, being familiar and being safe. Children experienced asthma as an interruption in daily life that influences time spent outside, being active and being with friends. Children with asthma are more sensitive to places that are 'dirty' or contain asthma triggers, are less likely to explore new or people-free places and emphasize family interactions, while children without asthma emphasize friendships and are sensitive to neighborhood violence

Asthma · Sociology · Homelessness and Social Issues · Medicine · Noise Effects and Management · Internal Medicine

Tools

Open DOISci-Hub