The relationship between disease control, symptom distress, functioning, and quality of life in adults with asthma

The purpose of this study was to evaluate quality of life (QOL) from a multidimensional perspective in relation to asthma control, symptom distress, and functioning in adults with asthma.

A cross-sectional, mailing survey design was used. The convenience sample of 172 people diagnosed with asthma participated in this study. QOL, conceptualized as subjective satisfaction with life, was measured by the Quality of Life Index-Pulmonary Version III (QLI-PV III). Functioning was measured with the Living with Asthma Questionnaire (LWAQ). Instruments measuring asthma control and symptom experience have been developed for this study. Multiple regression and path analysis were used to examine the relationships.

The QOL was affected directly by functioning (beta = -0.70). Asthma control and symptom distress were indirectly influencing QOL. Among the predictors, direct paths were found between asthma control and functioning (gamma = 0.20), and between symptom distress and functioning (gamma = 0.57); 51% of the total variation in functioning was explained by symptom distress and asthma control; 48% of the total variation in QOL was explained by functioning.

The findings highlight the importance of symptom distress and control of asthma symptoms with respect to functioning and QOL in people with asthma.