Validation of a quality of life scale for asthmatic patients

Abstract

Exacerbations of asthma reduce the quality of life of people with asthma, and obesity increases the frequency and 
severity of such exacerbations. Method: The present study was a cross-sectional study. We designed, tested and 
validated a Likert-type scale to evaluate quality of life from clinical, epidemiological, and public health perspectives. 
The scale was built on the basis of four theoretical dimensions: physical fitness, clinical condition, emotional 
condition and economic impact. Results: The quality of life scale had a Cronbach α of 0.8395; one factor with nine 
variables explored the impact of treatment and medical costs on patients and their clinical condition and physical 
fitness. Several correlations with the quality of life score were statistically significant, including the frequency of 
inhaler use (r=0.333; p=0.003), the number of attacks in the last year (r=-0.324; p=0.005) and the thickness of the 
subcutaneous adipose panicle (r=-0.376; p=0.003). Two variables associated with obesity explained the scale scores: 
breathlessness and the number of exacerbations in the last year (R2=0.258; p=0.001). Conclusion: We presented a 
valid, accurate scale that measures the economic impact and lack of control on the quality of life for persons with 
asthma. Anti-inflammatory alternatives and physical fitness programmes for obese or overweight asthmatic patients 
should be developed.