Project 182397

Asthma and allergies continue to be major health concerns in Canada, particularly among Aboriginal children and teens. Loneliness and isolation are common among these children and their parents, and peer support from people facing the same situation is lacking. The purpose of this study is to: 1)Describe the support needs and support desires of Aboriginal children/teens with asthma and allergies and their parents; 2)Develop an accessible and appealing peer support program for these children/teens and parents in consultation with Aboriginal peoples; 3)Test the health-related effects of the support program; 4)Suggest changes that improve practice, programs, and policies for affected Aboriginal children and parents. A Community Advisory Committee has been created with Aboriginal people, Aboriginal service providers, and policy influencers. The committee will provide ongoing advice during the study on inviting participants, support program, interview guides, outcome measures, sharing findings, etc. Aboriginal Community-based Interviewers will interview 30 children/teens with asthma and allergies and 30 parents to find out what support programs they would like. A support program for Aboriginal children/teens with asthma and allergies and parents will be developed based on their needs and desires and on the Community Advisory Committee's advice. Peer helpers and professional helpers will provide information, guidance, and emotional support every week for 24 weeks to 30 Aboriginal children, 30 Aboriginal teens, and 60 parents. The impact of the support program on resilience; coping; quality of life; support satisfaction; and loneliness/isolation will be evaluated. Aboriginal children/teens and parents will be asked about their satisfaction with the program, its impacts, and changes for the future. Aboriginal community representatives, service providers, policy makers, and program planners (n=16-20) will then suggest changes to improve programs, practice, and policies.