RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Exploring the Lived Experience of Young Adults With Severe Asthma

This study focuses on young adults (aged 16-25) living with severe or difficult-to-manage asthma. While most asthma is well-controlled, a small group experiences much tougher symptoms. This research aims to understand their day-to-day lives, challenges, and what kind of support they feel they need. We'll be talking to participants individually, using their own photos to help them share their stories, and then holding group discussions. The goal is to use their experiences to work with healthcare professionals and find better ways to provide care for young adults with asthma in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

25 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2025

Asthma Severe Asthma Uncontrolled Asthma

What is this study about?

Asthma is a common long-term lung condition that makes breathing difficult because the airways become swollen and narrow. This can lead to wheezing, a tight chest, and feeling breathless. For most people with asthma, medication helps keep their symptoms under control. However, for a small number of people, their asthma is more serious, or 'severe', meaning their usual treatment doesn't work as well.

Sometimes, asthma can also be 'uncontrolled', even if it's not strictly severe. This can happen if medication isn't always taken as prescribed, or if lifestyle choices or other health problems make asthma worse. Young adults, aged 16 to 25, are a group that often struggles with asthma, and current healthcare services might not fully meet their specific needs. Because of this, they can sometimes have more difficulties with their asthma compared to other age groups.

This study wants to learn directly from young adults in Manchester and Liverpool who have severe or uncontrolled asthma. We're interested in hearing about their individual experiences, the challenges they face every day, and what kind of support they believe would make a real difference. By truly understanding their perspectives, we hope to work with patients and healthcare providers to discover new and better ways to care for young adults with asthma in the future.

Key takeaways

Focuses on young adults (16-25) with severe or uncontrolled asthma.
Aims to understand daily challenges and support needs.
Involves individual interviews using your photos to share your story.
Includes group discussions to develop ideas for better care.
No new medications or treatments involved, only discussions.
Helps shape future asthma care for young adults.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be between 16 and 25 years old. You must also have a confirmed diagnosis of severe or uncontrolled asthma and be receiving care for it at one of the specialist asthma services in Manchester or Liverpool.

It's important that you are able to understand the study information and agree to take part (this is called giving informed consent). If you have other long-term health conditions, the researchers will check if your asthma is still your main health concern.

For the group discussions (focus groups), you'll need to be able to talk in English. If you can't, you might still be able to participate in the individual interviews.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 16 and 25 years old?
Do you have severe or uncontrolled asthma?
Are you cared for by an asthma service in Manchester or Liverpool?
Are you able to speak English (for group discussions)?
Can you understand the study information and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your participation will involve a couple of steps. First, you'll have an individual interview. Before this, you'll be asked to choose or take 3-5 photos that help you explain what it's like living with asthma. You'll bring these photos to the interview, which can be done face-to-face or online, depending on your preference. The interview will be recorded, and the photos will help guide the conversation about your experiences.

After these individual interviews, some participants will be invited to take part in group discussions, called focus groups. These groups will involve 4-8 people and will be held face-to-face. In these sessions, you'll discuss insights from the individual interviews and share your own thoughts on how to improve asthma care. The study doesn't involve any new medications or treatments. Researchers will also look at some information from your medical records, like your age, gender, and asthma history. The total duration of your involvement will depend on whether you participate in just the individual interview or also the group discussions.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study offers you the chance to share your experiences and contribute to improving asthma care for young adults, potentially benefiting others in the future. There are no direct medical risks as the study doesn't involve new treatments, but discussing personal health can sometimes bring up difficult feelings, and your privacy will be protected. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Severe asthma services based at both Manchester University Foundation NHS trust and Liverpool University Foundation NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Manchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'severe asthma'?

Severe asthma means your asthma symptoms are very tricky to control, even with regular medication, making daily life harder.

What is 'uncontrolled asthma'?

Uncontrolled asthma means your symptoms aren't well managed, possibly due to not always taking medication, lifestyle, or other health issues, even if it's not classed as 'severe'.

Why use photos?

Using your own photos can be a really helpful way to express your feelings and experiences about living with asthma, allowing you to tell your story in a unique way.

Will my doctors know I'm in the study?

The researchers will access some details from your medical records, but your participation is confidential and won't affect your ongoing medical care.

What will happen with the study results?

The information gathered will help us understand young adults' needs better and will be used to work with healthcare professionals to suggest ideas for improving future asthma care.

How to find out more

Leanne - Jo Holmes, Mres

leannejo.holmes@mft.nhs.uk +44 01619987070 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.