What are the perceived influences on asthma self-management at the workplace? A qualitative study

OBJECTIVES: Asthma can represent a substantial challenge to the affected individual, but is usually well controlled by adequate asthma self-management behaviour (SMB). Asthma SMB comprises symptom prevention, symptom monitoring, acute symptom management and communication with important others. The implementation of asthma SMB seems to depend on contextual factors. For employed adults, working conditions may be important in this respect. We, therefore, aimed to explore the perceived influences on effective asthma SMB at work. DESIGN: Our qualitative study built on semi-structured interviews and qualitative content analysis. SETTING: Participants were recruited in two pulmonary rehabilitation clinics in Northern Germany. PARTICIPANTS: We conducted 27 interviews among employees with asthma (female: n=15) who worked at least 20 hours per week and were diagnosed with asthma at least 6 months prior to interviewing. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were excluded. RESULTS: According to participants, the most influential factors with regard to asthma SMB at work appeared to be job decision latitude (JDL) and social support. JDL (ie, the control over one’s tasks and when and how things were done) was perceived to affect symptom prevention, symptom monitoring, and acute symptom management, but not communication. Support by colleagues, line managers, and the employer, for example, practical, emotional, or structural support, was perceived to exert effects on symptom prevention, acute symptom management, and communication (ie, self-disclosure of one’s condition). CONCLUSIONS: Perceived JDL and social support were experienced as influencing successful implementation of asthma SMB at the workplace. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: German Clinical Trials Register no: DRKS00011309.