Asthma control test via text messaging: could it be a tool for evaluating asthma control?

INTRODUCTION

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.

METHODS

This multicentre prospective study included 431 asthma patients from outpatient clinics in Turkey. The patients were randomized into a paper-and-pencil group (n = 220) and a text messaging group (n = 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.

RESULTS

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 (r = 0.60, p < 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.

CONCLUSION

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.