Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2008 Jun;28(2):134-142.

Comparison of the Patient's Global Self-Assessment Scoring Method with the Quality of Life Questionnaire for Adult Korean Asthmatics

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Quality of Life Questionnaire for Adult Korean Asthmatics (QLQAKA) is a valid and reproducible tool for evaluating and monitoring Korean adult asthmatics. However, the questionnaire is still burden to some patients, so we developed a simplified global self-assessment scoring.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study is to compare the patient's global self-assessment scoring method with the QLQAKA and evaluate how it reflects quality of life (QOL) of asthmatics. METHOD: One hundred ninety-nine adult asthmatics were enrolled and asked to answer the QLQAKA composed of 17 items in 4 domains (activity, symptom, emotion and exposure to environmental stimuli) and one more global self-assessment question with a 5-point scale was added. According to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) 2006 guide-lines, patients were divided into 3 groups: controlled, partly controlled and uncontrolled groups. Then, we analyzed the relationships between the QLQAKA scores, global self-ssessment scores and various clinical parameters. RESULT: The mean QLQAKA score and global self-assessment score were statistically significantly different between the 3 groups. Pulmonary function tests were also statistically significantly different between the 5 QLQAKA score subgroups as well as 5 self-assessment score subgroups. Moreover, global self-assessment scores were well correlated with QLQAKA scores.
CONCLUSION
In a busy outpatient clinic, we may estimate the QOL of asthma patients using a simplified patient's global self-assessment scoring method.

MeSH Terms

Adult
Ambulatory Care Facilities
Asthma
Humans
Quality of Life
Research Design
Respiratory Function Tests
Self-Assessment
Surveys and Questionnaires