INTRODUCTION: Indoor exposure to asthma triggers causes asthma exacerbations. Community health workers from the Seattle-King County Healthy Homes Project visit the homes of low-income children with asthma. They conduct initial home environmental assessments and provide education and social support, encouragement of behavior changes, materials to reduce exposures (bedding covers, vacuums, door mats, cleaning kits). Asthma is common among Vietnamese children and this presentation will describe the experiences of the project’s Vietnamese health worker working with his community. FINDINGS: Working in the Vietnamese community requires patience and taking time to establish and maintain relationships (e.g. sitting and drinking tea) before addressing asthma issues. Clients are initially scared and suspicious of strangers (whom they may view as officials coming with problems) and with people who are not Vietnamese. Developing trust comes through respect for Vietnamese culture (removing shoes, addressing the homeowner first, showing respect for elders, etc.) and appearing knowledgeable, professional and competent. Approaching clients on their own terms must come before addressing project protocols: listen to them without interruption so that answers to questions can emerge. Understanding culture-specific ideas about asthma is important: Vietnamese view asthma as an acute, episodic condition present only during an attack rather than a chronic illness. Workers should offer culturally appropriate suggestions to reducing asthma triggers, such as using smokeless incense to reduce indoor smoke. CONCLUSIONS: Outreach to the Vietnamese community has been successful, with over 60 households participating. Being aware of Vietnamese culture and values and having a Vietnamese health worker contributed to this success
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1) Describe a community-based outreach program which helps low-income households reduce exposure to asthma triggers. 2) Describe specific issues which promote or inhibit effective outreach to Vietnamese households. 3) Describe useful approaches for conducting outreach and education with Vietnamese households
Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, Outreach Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.