Creating a community-engaged research agenda for asthma

2023-ongoing

Funded by an HRC Research Activation Grant, it brings together researchers, clinicians and community partners to co-design a research agenda addressing inequities in asthma care for tamariki. Using participatory approaches, the team has completed evidence synthesis, stakeholder engagement, and community-led priority setting to inform future collaborative research.

Progress to date

• Asthma scoping review published
• Research priorities gathered
• Tamariki and whānau data analysed
• 85 participants HCP and schools are currently being analysed
• Plan to meet with the advisory group in 2026 to plan the next project based on findings

Preliminary findings

The interviews (preliminary results) reveal persistent challenges in asthma care for tamariki, driven by gaps in health literacy, inconsistent messaging across providers, and barriers to accessing preventer medications. Participants described widespread misunderstanding of asthma as a chronic condition, hesitancy towards inhaled corticosteroids, and fragmented care pathways leading to poor continuity. Schools play an essential but uneven role, often hindered by limited training, unclear policies, and inadequate communication with health services. Relational, whānau-centred approaches were seen as crucial for building trust, supporting self-management, and improving engagement. Across settings, participants highlighted the need for consistent education, collaborative practice and integrated systems.

Related publications

• Blamires, J., Foster, M., & Kanengoni‐Nyatara, B. (2025). What is known about asthma care and management for children and young people under 18 years of age in New Zealand. A scoping review. The Clinical Respiratory Journal, 19(12). doi:10.1111/crj.70139
• Blamires, J., Foster, M., Kanengoni-Nyatara, B., Park, M., Kielar, D., Trenholme, A., . . . Kingi, V. (2024). Creating a community engaged research agenda for tamariki with asthma. In Paediatric Society of New Zealand 75th Annual Meeting. Dunedin: Paediatric Society of New Zealand. Retrieved from https://forumpoint2.eventsair.com/psnz-75th-annual-meeting-2024/