Ethnic variations in UK asthma frequency, morbidity, and health-service use: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Ethnic and socio-economic differences in the prevalence of wheeze, severe wheeze, asthma, eczema and medication usage at 4 years of age: Findings from the Born in Bradford birth cohort

“…A previous systematic review and metaanalysis of ethnic variations in asthma frequency and morbidity concluded that the prevalence of asthma and wheeze was lower in South Asian populations than observed for White children;, however these studies were limited by the heterogeneity of ethnic groups included, with the South Asian population groupings included and the lack of adjustment for migration status [12]. The other variable that is perhapsfar more likely to have influenced the lower prevalence results observed for South Asian children in the systematic review is the socio-economic profile of the included participants.…”

“…Atopy has also been shown to vary by ethnicity, with South Asian children shown to havinge higher rates than their White British peers [9], although it is being increasingly recognised that not all persons who experience asthma, wheeze and/or eczema are also atopic [10,11]. Despite persons of South Asian origin resident in the UK being less likely to experience symptoms of wheeze and asthma, there are reports of poorer outcomes in asthma, with potentially linked to lower rates of adequate diagnosis and being more likely to have both a higher risks of asthma exacerbations and hospitalisations for their asthma [7,12]. However, South Asian populations resident in the United Kingdom (UK) are however heterogeneous, originating from different countries including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, experiencing differing cultural and socio-economic profiles and.…”

Alcohol-based pressurised metered-dose inhalers for use in asthma: a descriptive study

“…This is particularly relevant considering the fact that the Muslim community -for whom this information is most likely to be of greatest relevance -has the poorest overall health outcomes in the UK and is one of the groups of people who are at particularly high risk of experiencing poor outcomes from asthma -facts which, to an extent, reflect the lack of confidence in the treatments that they are issued. 9,10 What is particularly important to note in this respect is that many of those who have such concerns about alcohol-containing products will subscribe to the rule of Islamic law which dictates that 'whatever is prohibited in large amounts is also prohibited in small amounts'.…”

Summary of the 2008 BTS/SIGN British Guideline on the Management of Asthma

“…People from certain ethnic subgroups have higher levels of hospital admissions and exacerbations. 51 Socially disadvantaged groups, adolescents and young adults are less likely to attend for structured clinical review and are more likely to use emergency asthma healthcare services and also to have a higher reliance on bronchodilators. 1 The communication difficulties with these groups should be considered when structuring educational and self management programmes.…”