THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ASTHMA CONTROL AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN CHILDREN IN NORTH BIHAR

Abstract

Aim: To assess the quality of life of asthmatic patients besides their level of disease control.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics, Darbhanga, Medical College and Hospital Laheraisarai, Darbhanga, Bihar, India . Total 120 children aged below 12 years, with physician diagnosed asthma, who have no positive history of any other chronic medical conditions were included in this study. Three questionnaires were used: asthma control test, the strengths and difficulties questionnaire, and the pediatrics asthma quality of life questionnaire.

Results: Only 16.67% of the sample had controlled asthma while 83.33% of them had poorly controlled asthma. The status of asthma control was better among children of educated parents, employed mothers, and those having high family income (P value < 0.05). Significantly poorer quality of life was observed in children with uncontrolled asthma (p<0.001).Children with controlled and uncontrolled asthma were equally affected psychosocially with no relation between asthma control and their psychosocial well-being (p=0.62).

Conclusion: The quality of life for the asthmatic children is strongly correlated with the level of asthma control and severity.

Keywords: asthma, quality of life, children