The evaluation of quality of life in children with asthma

Introduction and Aim: Bronchial asthma is a chronic airway inflamation developed by bronchial hyperreactivity and characterized as a chronic childhood disease. Our aim in this study was to assess impairment on quality of life (QOL) in asthmatic children as bronchial asthma is among the most common chronic pediatric diseases that can result in variable restriction in the physical, emotional and social aspects of the patient?s life.Cases and Methods: Ninety seven patients at 7 to 15 years of age followed up at Pediatric Pulmonology Department of Dicle University Hospital were included into the study during 01.11.2009 - 30.01.2010. To assess the quality of life questionnaire developed by Juniper et al. Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life (PAQLQ) 's self-applied Turkish version was used. In addition measuring the severity of asthma patiens, Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) was applied.Findings: Patient?s male to female ratio was 2/1. The mean age was 10:03 ? 2:49 years. Severity of asthma, history of steroid usage, low family income had a negative effect on the PAQLQ scores (p = 0.00). Mother's education level had statistically significant effect on the PAQLQ scores (P = 0.02). Father?s education level, age, gender, passive smoke exposure, family history of asthma or egzema and duration of disease status did not have statistically significant effect on PAQLQ scores (p>0.05). Asthma control test score had statistically significant relationship between PAQLQ scores (p = 0.00).Results: As well as the treatment of chronic diseases,increasing the quality of life should be emphasiezed as an important issue. Success in the treatment of asthma can not be achieved only with control of attacks but investigating the factors influencing the QOL as well