Validation of an electronic version of the Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire

SummaryBackgroundThe Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (MiniAQLQ) is a validated disease-specific quality of life (QOL) paper (p) questionnaire. Electronic (e) versions enable inclusion of asthma QOL in electronic medical records and research databases.PurposeTo validate an e-version of the MiniAQLQ, compare time required for completion of e- and p-versions, and determine which version participants prefer.MethodsAdults with stable asthma were randomized to complete either the e- or p-MiniAQLQ, followed by a 2-h rest period before completing the other version. Agreement between versions was measured using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland–Altman analysis.ResultsTwo participants with incomplete p-MiniAQLQ responses were excluded. Forty participants (85% female; age 47.7 ± 14.9 years; asthma duration 22.6 ± 16.1 years; FEV1 87.1 ± 21.6% predicted) with both AQLQ scores <6.0 completed the study. Agreement between e- and p-versions for the overall score was acceptable (ICC = 0.95) with no bias (difference (Δ) p–e = 0.1; P = 0.21). ICCs for the symptom, activity limitation, emotional function and environmental stimuli domains were 0.94, 0.89, 0.90, and 0.91 respectively. A small but significant bias (Δ = 0.3; P = 0.004) was noted in the activity limitation domain. Completion time was significantly longer for the e-version (3.8 ± 1.9 min versus 2.7 ± 1.1 min; P < 0.0001). The majority of patients (57.5%) preferred the e-MiniAQLQ; 35% had no preference.ConclusionThis e-version of the MiniAQLQ is valid and was preferred by most participants despite taking slightly longer to complete. Generalizabilty may be limited in younger (12–17) and older (>65) adults.