Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University / The purpose of this study is to explore the social factors which are present in the children and adults with a diagnosis of bronchial asthma and to learn the role of the social worker in the treatment of these cases. The writer hopes to find out the ways in which the medical social worker can help the asthmatic patient benefit from the medical treatment he is receiving. The writer sets forth the following questions to be answered: 1) What are the reasons for referral to the socia~ service department? 2) What are the factors in the environment which seem to be impeding treatment? 3) What methods are ; used by the social worker in trying to remove the obstacles? 4) To what extent is it possible to achieve these objectives?