Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40121020›Full record

SynthesisBMJ open respiratory research2025

Psychosocial experience of living with severe and uncontrolled asthma as a young adult: a qualitative synthesis.

Leanne-Jo Holmes, Siobhan Ludlow, Stephen Fowler, Marie Marshall, Karina Lovell

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMJ open respiratory research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Article
  3. Article
  4. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Leanne-Jo HolmesThe School of Nursing, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, Manchester, UK Leanne.holmes@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4321-3220
Siobhan LudlowThe Complex Breathlessness Service, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
Stephen FowlerDivision of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, The University of Manchester School of Biological Sciences, Manchester, UK.
Marie MarshallRoyal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Karina LovellThe School of Nursing, The University of Manchester Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, Manchester, Manchester, UK.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundLiving with severe and uncontrolled asthma can negatively impact on well-being, yet little is known about the psychosocial impact on young adults (age 12-25).

aimTo identify, appraise and synthesise current literature pertaining to the psychosocial experience of living with severe and uncontrolled asthma as a young adult, to generate new knowledge, further conceptual understanding and provide recommendations to help improve long-term outcomes.

methodsWe followed a predefined protocol, registered on PROSPERO. We systematically searched for qualitative research which captured the psychosocial impact of living with severe and uncontrolled asthma as a young adult. Using thematic synthesis, data was coded and developed into descriptive and analytical themes.

results10 studies with 219 participants were identified and included in the synthesis. 73 codes were then developed into 17 descriptive themes, subsequently forming 5 analytical themes: 'Living with a constant uncertainty', 'The deleterious impact of asthma', 'Acquiescence', 'A need for support & understanding' and 'The constraints of living with asthma'.Young adults with severe and uncontrolled asthma live with a significant negative impact on their psychosocial well-being. Reported emotions described living with a burden of shame, embarrassment, anxiety, isolation, uncertainty, fear, conflict, lack of control, restriction on life choices and a perceived desire to be normal. These emotions influenced lifestyle choices and adherence to treatment, compounding on physical symptomology. This resulted in a cyclical interplay between the physical and psychological impact of living with severe and uncontrolled asthma.

conclusionThere is clear evidence of a negative psychosocial impact of living with severe and uncontrolled asthma as a young adult. We have also highlighted the paucity of recent literature and provide the rationale for further research, to increase our understanding of the impact and support requirements of young adults with severe asthma to help improve long-term outcomes and quality of life. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022363201.

Indexed as

AsthmaQuality of LifeAdolescentAdultFemaleHumansMaleQualitative ResearchSeverity of Illness IndexYoung AdultAsthmaPatient Outcome Assessment

Identifiers

PMID40121020
PMCPMC11931952

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.