Abstract
Asthma is a significant global health problem. Asthma prevalence, its related health outcomes, and associated healthcare utilisation, vary by population group both across and within nations. Evidence of ethnic variations in the prevalence and outcomes of asthma within nations have been well documented. This review examines the impact of ethnicity on asthma, with a focus on the literature from the UK and the USA. Explanations for the unequal burden of disease experienced by ethnic minority groups include: their health beliefs, attitudes, experiences and behaviours; the problem of poor health literacy, which tends to compound the challenges inherent in cross-cultural communication; concerns about the quality of care; and the relatively poor socio-economic position of minority ethnic groups and how this impacts on the wider determinants of health. We conclude by suggesting research priorities for asthma and ethnicity, along with practical actions within a collaborative care model.