Childhood asthma control test: a study of the psychometric properties

Abstract

Background: The international guidelines recognize that the treatment of asthma focuses both on the current control and the risk of exacerbations, based on the management of symptoms which advocate an objective assessment. The Childhood Asthma Control Test (c-ACT) tool allows an assessment of the control of asthma in children and is used in Portugal, but has no validation. Objective: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the c-ACT tool for the Portuguese population. Methodology: A methodological, quantitative, and transversal study, on a sample of 60 children and healthcare providers, for the analysis of the psychometric properties of a measuring tool, written in Portuguese. The internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach’s alpha, and the factorial validity and reliability of the model were analyzed using exploratory factorial analysis. Results: The tool showed internal consistency, with a Cronbach alpha of 0.716. There are statistically significant correlations between each item and the overall evaluation. Conclusion: The c-ACT tool demonstrated good psychometric properties, giving validity and reliability for use in the Portuguese population.