Research Article: Parents’ Experiences and Perceptions of Healthcare Transition in Adolescents with Asthma: A Qualitative Study
Abstract:
Adolescence marks a significant transition from pediatric to adult healthcare, and parents play critical roles in supporting their adolescents with chronic conditions through this process. However, little is known about parents’ experiences, perceptions, and needs during this healthcare transition. This qualitative study explores the experiences and perceptions of parents regarding the care transition of their 16–17-year-old adolescents with asthma. Nineteen mothers participated in either a focus group or individual interviews, and a content analysis was conducted on the data. Parents expressed negative emotions and various concerns about their teens’ transition readiness and asthma management. A need for early transition training for both adolescents and parents was discussed. Overall, the complexity and challenges associated with the healthcare transition of adolescents with asthma take a toll on parents, particularly when their teens are not adequately prepared to manage asthma independently. Parents need appropriate anticipatory guidance regarding the transition and skills to navigate changing roles and negotiate asthma care responsibilities with their teens. Timely interventions and support strategies for both adolescents and parents are needed to ensure the successful healthcare transition of adolescents with asthma.
Introduction:
According to 2020 data [1], 9.1% of adolescents aged 15–17 years had a current asthma diagnosis in the United States (U.S.), with an even higher prevalence of 10.3% among young people aged 20–24 years. As such, asthma remains a common health concern for adolescents and young adults. Given that about 70% of adults with severe asthma had asthma before the age of 20 [2], it is critical to ensure continuity in asthma treatment and self-management from adolescence to adulthood to prevent adverse health consequences.…
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