OBJECTIVE: To assess the burden of uncontrolled asthma (UA) on HRQOL of the child and their family.
METHODS: An internet-based survey was administered to caregivers of children aged 6–12 years with moderate to severe asthma (severity and control based on NAEPP guidelines). The caregiver questionnaire assessed pediatric asthma symptoms, rescue medication use, activity limitation, and included the Child Health Questionnaire—Parent Form 28 (CHQ-PF28), a generic instrument measuring HRQOL in children and their family. Mean CHQ-PF28 scores were calculated (ranging from 0–100, with lower scores representing greater impairment) and compared between UA and controlled asthma (CA) groups using the two sample t-test.
RESULTS: A total of 4,514 of 16,396 invited to participate responded. A total of 473 satisfied study inclusion criteria; 360 were caregivers of children with UA and 113 for children with CA. Seven out of 8 child-related CHQ-PF28 scale scores were significantly lower among children with UA versus CA with the greatest differences in physical functioning (mean difference = 26.8, P less than 0.0001) and physical role limitations (mean difference = 20.0, P less than 0.0001). Physical (mean difference = 11.7, P less than 0.0001) and psychosocial (mean difference = 5.6, P less than 0.0001) summary scales were both significantly lower among children with UA. Caregivers of children with UA had significantly lower scores on both parent-related scales of emotional (mean difference = 20.8, P less than 0.0001) and time (mean difference = 16.3, P less than 0.0001) impact, and 1 of 2 family-related scales (activities, mean difference = 19.3, P less than 0.0001).
CONCLUSION: Uncontrolled asthma was associated with significant impairment in HRQOL, extending beyond the physical health of the child to their psychosocial development. Additionally, uncontrolled pediatric asthma had a significant HRQOL impact on the caregiver and family.
