Aims and Objectives
The aim of this study was to develop an explanatory theory on the lives of young people with asthma, issues affecting them, and the impact of asthma on their day to day lives.
Background
Accommodating Interruptions is a theory that explains young people's concerns about living with asthma. Although national and international asthma management guidelines exist it is accepted that the symptom control of asthma among the young people population is poor.
Design
This study was undertaken using Classic Grounded Theory.
Methods
Data were collected through in-depth interviews with young people aged 11-16 years who had asthma for over one year. Data were also collected from participant diaries. Constant comparative analysis, theoretical coding and memo writing were used to develop the substantive theory.
Results
The theory explains how young people resolve their main concern of being restricted by Accommodating Interruptions in their lives. They do this by assimilating behaviours in balance finding, moderating influence, fitting in and assuming control minimising the effects of asthma on their everyday lives.
Conclusion
The theory of Accommodating Interruptions explains young people's asthma management behaviours in a new way. It allows us to understand how and why young people behave the way they do because they want to participate and be included in everyday activities, events and relationships. The theory adds to the body of knowledge on how young people with asthma live their day to day lives and it challenges some existing viewpoints in the literature regarding their behaviours.
Relevance to Clinical Practice
The findings have implications for developing services to support young people in a more meaningful way as they accommodate the interruptions associated with asthma in their lives.