Parent and child reports of asthma symptoms, activity limitations and emotional distress:☆

Abstract 

Rationale

The issue of collecting data from children versus parental proxies is currently under debate. CHIRP examines differences in parent and child report on an asthma-specific instrument.

Methods

Children (ages 7-16) and their parents completed questionnaires including the Children's Health Survey for Asthma (CHSA). This report is based on data from 100 completed child/parent dyads. The instrument was self-completed by parents; interviewer-administered to children.

Results

59% of the sample were males; mean child age was 10.6 years (range=7-16); 56% of children were Black/African American. Over half of all parents reported their child's asthma as moderate to severe; 64% characterized the child's asthma as intermittent. Child ratings of symptoms “at least some of the time” ranged from a high of 39% (cough) to a low of (17%). Overall, parental ratings of symptomatology were generally higher than those of child respondents. Parent and child assessments of activity limitations due to asthma were fairly similar – nearly 1/3 reported at least some limitations in strenuous activities. In general, differences in reports of emotional distress were most pronounced between parents and children. Parents consistently rated children as more frustrated and upset about asthma and asthma treatments than did child participants.

Conclusions

Child and parent reports regarding asthma-related symptoms, activity limits and emotional burden may differ in key areas, further emphasizing the need to understand children's ability at different ages to act as reporters of their own health status.

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