Is it time to add domains of quality of life to the childhood asthma
control test and the GINA criteria?
Abstract
Background: To measure the quality of life by using the
Standardized Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire(PAQLQ(S)) in
children with asthma and to determine the association of the Childhood
Asthma Control Test(c-ACT) and Global Initiative for Asthma(GINA)
criteria of asthma control with the PAQLQ(S) domains. Methods:
This study was planned in a cross-sectional design. All consecutive
children between the ages 7-11 years who had been followed up at least
one year with a diagnosis of asthma were enrolled. Children filled out
PAQLQ(S). The levels of asthma control were defined by c-ACT and GINA
criteria of asthma control. Results: Of the total 120 children,
the median(%25-75) PAQLQ(S) and c-ACT scores were 4.90(1.3) and
17.9(4.8). All children had quality of life impairments except four.
According to c-ACT, 41.7% of children were controlled; 58.3% of them
were uncontrolled. PAQLQ(S) scores were found to be correlated with both
c-ACT scores(p<0.001, r=0.612). The c-ACT score was more
significantly correlated with the symptom domain of PAQLQ(S)(r=0,667,
p<0,001). A more significant positive correlation was found
between c-ACT and the duet score of activity and emotional
function(r=0.930; p<0.001). Conclusion: Asthma
affects the quality of life in children. PAQLQ(S) scores decrease
significantly when asthma is out of control. PAQLQ(S) is more
significantly associated with c-ACT than GINA criteria. It would be
useful in clinical practice if c-ACT or GINA criteria can be improved to
cover quality of life, at least the part of the quality of life related
to the symptoms or the activity limitations and emotional functions.