A comparison of global questions versus health status questionnaires as measures of the severity and impact of asthma

Abstract

This study compared estimates of the severity and impact of asthma recorded using global questions of the type used in diary cards with health status measurements obtained using comprehensive questionnaires. Seventy-four outpatients with asthma, aged 17-76 yrs (mean 48 yrs) participated. Mean+/-SD forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was 72+/-26% predicted. Patients recorded morning and evening peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and scaled their responses to the questions: "How has your asthma been today?" (asthma severity) and "How much effect has your asthma had on your life today?" (asthma impact) for 2 weeks. They then completed Juniper9s Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) and the St George9s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Diary card scores for asthma impact were less severe than for asthma severity (p0.7; p