Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ-SAS): Analysis of psychometric properties

The Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire Self-Administered Standardized (CRQ-SAS) format is used to assess health-related quality of life in different languages and adult populations, but it has not been validated in adolescents. This study analyzes the psychometric properties of the CRQ-SAS in a sample of adolescent patients with chronic respiratory disease and correlates them to anxiety and depression.

In relation to the CRQ-SAS psychometric properties, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were done to assess the instrument's reliability and validity. Correlations and multiple linear regressions with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were done to assess the relation with anxiety and depression. The mean difference was estimated based on sociodemographic outcome measures.

The CRQ-SAS was administered to 280 children and adolescents with chronic respiratory disease aged 9-18 years (mean=12.02), with a similar male-female distribution. The original 4-factor structure was maintained; 3 items were removed from the original scale and a new 17-item version was obtained. This showed adequate psychometric properties and discriminant validity. The dyspnea and emotional functioning domains better predicted anxiety and depression. Lastly, scales were obtained for the interpretation of health-related quality of life scores.

This questionnaire, which has been previously used in the adult population, may be an adequate instrument to assess health-related quality of life in adolescent patients with chronic respiratory disease.