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Quantification of asthma control: validation of the Asthma Control Scoring System
Author(s) -
LeBlanc A.,
Robichaud P.,
Lacasse Y.,
Boulet L.P.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01194.x
Subject(s) - asthma , cronbach's alpha , medicine , reliability (semiconductor) , construct validity , physical therapy , psychometrics , clinical psychology , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics
Background: We developed an instrument for quantifying asthma control, the Asthma Control Scoring System (ACSS), based on the criteria proposed by the Canadian Asthma Consensus Guidelines. Objective: To assess the measurement properties of the ACSS. Methods: The ACSS and two other questionnaires were completed by 44 asthmatic patients on a first visit and 2 weeks later. The ACSS evaluates three types of parameters: clinical, physiologic, and inflammatory. These parameters are each quantified to obtain a maximal score of 100% and a global score is calculated as the mean of these scores. Results: The analysis showed sufficient internal consistency for every section of the ACSS (Cronbach's‐ α ranging from 0.72 to 0.88). Pearson's correlations indicated good test–retest reliability for the clinical score ( r = 0.59, P = 0.005), the physiologic score ( r = 0.86, P < 0.0001), the inflammatory score ( r = 0.71, P = 0.049), and the global score ( r = 0.65, P = 0.001). Cross‐sectional and longitudinal construct validity were supported by moderate correlations between the ACSS scores and corresponding instruments. Conclusions: The ACSS is a valid tool for quantifying asthma control parameters, using a percent score. Further research should determine the usefulness of such an instrument as a means to improve asthma management and reduce related morbidity.