The psychometric properties of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire and Respiratory Symptoms in CF tool in cystic fibrosis: A preliminary study

Nathan Ward; Kathy Stiller; Hilary Rowe; Anne E Holland

doi:10.1016/j.jcf.2016.11.011

The psychometric properties of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire and Respiratory Symptoms in CF tool in cystic fibrosis: A preliminary study

J Cyst Fibros. 2017 May;16(3):425-432. doi: 10.1016/j.jcf.2016.11.011. Epub 2016 Dec 14.

Authors

Nathan Ward¹, Kathy Stiller², Hilary Rowe³, Anne E Holland⁴

Affiliations

¹ Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide 5000, Australia; La Trobe University, Melbourne 3004, Australia. Electronic address: nathan.ward2@sa.gov.au.
² Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide 5000, Australia. Electronic address: kathy.stiller@sa.gov.au.
³ Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide 5000, Australia. Electronic address: hilary.rowe@sa.gov.au.
⁴ La Trobe University, Melbourne 3004, Australia; Alfred Health, Commercial Road, Melbourne 3004, Australia. Electronic address: a.holland@latrobe.edu.au.

PMID: 27986494
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcf.2016.11.011

Abstract

Background: There are few tools to quantify the impact of cough in cystic fibrosis (CF). The psychometric properties of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ) and Respiratory Symptoms in CF (ReS-CF) tool were investigated in adults with CF.

Methods: Validity and reliability were assessed in clinically stable participants who completed the questionnaires twice, along with the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire - Revised (CFQ-R). Responsiveness was assessed by change in questionnaires following treatment for an acute respiratory exacerbation.

Results: Correlations between the LCQ and CFQ-R respiratory domain were moderate (n=59, r_s=0.78, p<0.001). Correlations between ReS-CF and CFQ-R respiratory domain were fair (r_s=-0.50, p<0.001). The LCQ total score was repeatable (ICC 0.92, 95%CI 0.87-0.96, n=50). In those reporting improvement in symptoms following treatment (n=36), LCQ total score had a mean change of 4.6 (SD 3.7) and effect size of 1.2.

Conclusions: The LCQ and ReS-CF appear to be valid, reliable and responsive in CF.

Trial registration: www.anzctr.org.au: ACTRN12615000262505.

Keywords: Cough; Cystic fibrosis; Leicester Cough Questionnaire; Signs and symptoms, respiratory; Surveys and questionnaires.

MeSH terms

Adult
Australia
Cough* / physiopathology
Cough* / psychology
Cystic Fibrosis* / diagnosis
Cystic Fibrosis* / physiopathology
Cystic Fibrosis* / psychology
Female
Humans
Male
Psychometrics* / methods
Psychometrics* / standards
Quality of Life*
Reproducibility of Results
Respiratory System / physiopathology
Surveys and Questionnaires