[The RHINASTHMA-Quality of Life Scale German Adapted Version: validation of a new disease specific quality of life scale for patients suffering from allergic rhinitis and bronchial hyperreactivity].

BACKGROUND

In 2003 Baiardini et al. presented the RHINASTHMA questionnaire, which measures the impairment of quality of life in patients with rhinitis and asthma and takes the "united airway disease" model into its account. The aim of our study was to create a valid version of this questionnaire adapted for use with German-speaking subjects.

METHODS

Datasets recorded for 85 patients were analysed for sensitivity, reliability and validity of the new questionnaire. For this purpose, as well as the symptom scores, disease-specific and generic quality of life questionnaires were also used as a measure of validity.

RESULTS

A correlation analysis and Cronbach's alpha indicated that the RHINASTHMA scale is satisfactory from the aspect of reliability. Good validity was also shown in terms of discrimination and agreement for all items and scores. In addition, all the observed parameters reacted sensitively to clinical improvements of the health status.

CONCLUSION

The RHINASTHMA questionnaire makes it possible to determine how badly the quality of life is impaired by rhinitis and asthma, based on the paradigm of "united airway disease".