Respiratory symptoms questionnaire for asthma epidemiology: validity and reproducibility.

Abstract

Background There is a need for a new respiratory symptoms questionnaire for use in epidemiological research in asthma. Method A questionnaire was designed following a pilot study in 78 subjects. It contains nine questions on symptoms such as wheeze and difficulty with breathing in defined circumstances such as exercise and sleep. It was completed by 211 adults and validated by comparison with a self reported history of asthma and with bronchial hyperresponsiveness to histamine. Its short term reproducibility was measured by three repeat administrations over two weeks. Results Subjects with asthma (n = 33), particularly those having had an asthma

Communities near toluene diisocyanate sources: an investigation of exposure and health

“…were categorized as having 'asthma or asthma-like respiratory symptoms' (Venables et al, 1993). In the text that follows, the terms 'symptoms', 'symptomatic', and 'respiratory symptoms' mean two or more 'asthma or asthma-like respiratory symptoms' as defined by the Venables (1993) questionnaire. The odds of self-reported 'asthma or asthmalike respiratory symptoms' in the target population relative to the comparison population was examined using logistic regression.…”

“…Although validated in a group of London office workers, the questionnaire from Venables et al (1993) may have reduced specificity for asthma in our study population. The population of London office workers was probably healthier than our study participants from North Carolina's general population.…”

“…The questionnaire also included the nine questions for asthma-like respiratory symptoms from Venables et al (1993): 'During the past 4 weeks: If you run, or climb stairs fast do you ever ycough? ywheeze?…”

“…However, there are validated questionnaires available to screen for asthma or asthma-like respiratory symptoms (Burney and Chinn, 1987;Burney et al, 1989;Abramson et al, 1991;Venables et al, 1993). The sensitivity and specificity of the Venables questionnaire varied with the precise health outcome assessed and number of symptoms reported.…”

“…For a self-reported diagnosis of asthma, reporting two symptoms had a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 85%. For bronchial hyperresponsiveness, reporting two symptoms had a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 87% (Venables et al, 1993).…”