摘要：Asthma is a major cause of morbidity in children and adults. Imperial County has reported among the highest asthma hospitalization rates in the state. Factors such as poverty, access to care, poor self-management skills, and ethnocultural beliefs may influence asthma exacerbations. Provider and adult asthmatic attitudes, beliefs, and practices regarding asthma were examined using a mixed-methods approach: a survey to evaluate provider conformance with national guidelines, and focus groups targeting medical practitioners and adult asthmatics. Half of all providers who treat asthmatics completed a self-administered survey about asthma diagnosis; clinical monitoring of patients; treatment; patient education; and practice guidelines. Provider focus groups further explored survey results. Adult asthmatics participated in Spanish-language focus groups exploring cultural beliefs, attitudes, and practices.
