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

Uysal M.A.; Mungan D.; Yorgancioglu A.; Yildiz F.; Akgun M.; Gemicioglu B.; Turktas H.; Ozkan G.; Yilmaz I.; Incioglu M.; Boyaci H.; Atis S.; Yalcin A.; Bayram N.G.; Deveci F.; Pulur D.; Ozgur E.S.; Dursun B.; Bulbul Y.; Sulu E.; Yilmaz V.

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

Date

2013

Authors

Abstract

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. © 2013 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.