A two stage study will be undertaken to explore the understanding, beliefs and behaviour of adult asthmatics, parents of a child with asthma, and health care professionals about the prevention and treatment of asthma, with particular reference to the role of allergen avoidance measures.

The first stage will use qualitative methods to explore these issues in depth and to ensure that relevant issues are addressed in the second stage which will survey a cross-sectional sample of parents of asthmatic children, adult asthmatics and health care professionals in the South and West Region.

The study will have implications for the design of pragmatic interventions to improve adherence to recommended treatment regimens in children and provide accurate information about the potential acceptability of allergen avoidance measures in treatment. It will also inform the design of strategies to enhance communication between parents of asthmatic children, adult asthmatics and health care staff.