Assessment of functional status of asthmatic children and adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the functional status and quality of life of children and adolescents visiting the Allergy Department of the Coimbra Pediatric Hospital, the only pediatric hospital of the central region of Portugal. This department is the second largest ambulatory department of this hospital. The main objectives of this research were: 1. to describe the impact of a chronic disease such as asthma on young patients’ relations with their family, friends, and colleagues, at home or at school; 2. to compare patients’ and parents’ evaluations of well-being and QoL; and 3. to study the utility and acceptability of the tools used to assess patients’ functional status.