The potential for reducing asthma disparities through improved family and social function and modified health behaviors.

The National Workshop To Reduce Asthma Disparities assembled a multidisciplinary group comprised of scientists, clinicians, and community representatives to examine factors related to asthma disparities. Attention was given to the importance of discerning family, social, and behavioral factors that facilitate or impede the use of health-care services suitable to the medical status of an individual. This review highlights select biopsychosocial factors that contribute to these disparities, the manner in which they may contribute or protect persons affected by asthma, and recommended directions for future research.