OBJECTIVE: To assess productivity among children with uncontrolled asthma (UA) and their caregivers.
METHODS: An internet-based survey was administered to caregivers of children aged 6–12 years with moderate to severe asthma (severity and control based on NAEPP guidelines). The caregiver questionnaire assessed pediatric asthma symptoms, activity limitation, social functioning, and school attendance. Caregiver productivity was assessed using the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) Questionnaire. WPAI measures were calculated with higher scores representing greater percent reduction in productivity. The chi-square test was used to assess differences in proportions for school impairment between children with UA versus controlled asthma (CA), and the two-sample t-test was used to assess differences in the child’s absenteeism and caregiver’s WPAI measures.
RESULTS: A total of 473 caregivers completed the survey; 360 were caregivers of children with UA and 113 for children with CA. Compared with CA, children with UA had significantly greater absenteeism (5.5 days vs. 2.2 days, P less than 0.001) during the previous year and were significantly more likely to miss school-related activities or visit the health office/ school nurse (P less than 0.001 for both). Caregivers of children with UA reported significantly more absenteeism (15.4% vs. 7.8%, P = 0.03), impairment while working (20.8% vs. 13.4%, P = 0.0001), greater overall work productivity loss (25.5% vs. 16.0%, P = 0.0001), and significantly greater activity impairment (23.6% vs. 11.2%, P = 0.0001).
CONCLUSION: Uncontrolled asthma was associated with significant reduction in school attendance and increased need for health services while at school and impacted the caregiver's work productivity.
