Asthma control test via text messaging: could it be a tool for evaluating asthma control?. (December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Uysal, Mehmet Atilla; Mungan, Dilsad; Yorgancioglu, Arzu; Yildiz, Fusun; Akgun, Metin; Gemicioglu, Bilun; Turktas, Haluk
• Is Part Of: Journal of asthma. Volume 50:Number 10(2013)
• Page Start: 1083
• Page End: 1089
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Subjects: Asthma -- Periodicals; 616.238005
• DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2013.832294
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0277-0903

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Introduction</italic>: Originally, the Asthma Control Test (ACT) was designed for English-speaking patients using a paper-and-pencil format. The Turkish version of the ACT was recently validated. This article compares the paper-and-pencil and web-based texting formats of the Turkish version of the ACT and evaluates the compatibility of these ACT scores with GINA-based physician assessments of asthma control. <italic>Methods</italic>: This multicentre prospective study included 431 asthma patients from outpatient clinics in Turkey. The patients were randomized into a paper-and-pencil group (<italic>n</italic> = 220) and a text messaging group (<italic>n = </italic>211). Patients completed the ACT at Visit 1, after 10 ± 2 days, and at 5 ± 1 week to demonstrate the reliability and responsiveness of the test. At each visit, physicians assessed patients' asthma control levels. <italic>Results</italic>: The ACT administered via texting showed an internal consistency of 0.82. For the texting group, we found a significant correlation between the ACT and physician assessments at Visit 1 (<italic>r</italic> = 0.60, <italic>p</italic> < 0.001). The AUC was 0.87, with a sensitivity of 78.0% and a specificity of 77.5% for a score of ≤19 for screening "uncontrolled" asthma in the texting group. <italic>Conclusion</italic>: When the Turkish version of the ACT was administered via either the paper-and-pencil or text messaging test, scores were closely associated with physician assessments of asthma control.</p> </abstract>