Measurement characteristics of the childhood Asthma-Control Test and a shortened, child-only version

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Clinical Psychology
• Health Outcomes Research

Background:

• The Childhood Asthma-Control Test (C-ACT) is validated for assessing pediatric asthma control.
• Current C-ACT administration requires simultaneous parent and child presence, limiting its use in settings like schools.
• An unmet need exists for asthma control assessment tools usable without parental supervision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the psychometric properties of the C-ACT and a modified child-only version (C-ACTc).
• To estimate the minimally important difference (MID) for both C-ACT and C-ACTc.
• To evaluate the C-ACTc's suitability for assessing asthma control in children aged 6-11 when parents are absent.

Main Methods:

• Psychometric properties (internal consistency, test-retest reliability) were evaluated for C-ACT and C-ACTc.
• Correlation with Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) scores was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation.
• Minimally important difference (MID) was estimated for both versions.
• Data were collected from 161 asthma patients aged 6-11 years.

Main Results:

• Both C-ACT and C-ACTc demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties.
• Internal consistency: C-ACT (Cronbach's α=0.76), C-ACTc (α=0.67).
• Test-retest reliability: C-ACT (ICC=0.72), C-ACTc (ICC=0.66).
• Correlations with ACQ: C-ACT (r=-0.56), C-ACTc (r=-0.46).
• Estimated MID: C-ACT=2 points, C-ACTc=1 point.

Conclusions:

• The C-ACT exhibits good psychometric properties for assessing asthma control in children aged 6-11.
• The C-ACTc offers acceptable psychometric properties, enabling asthma control assessment without parental presence.
• The full C-ACT demonstrates stronger psychometric performance compared to the child-only C-ACTc version.