The Dyadic Asthma Management Questionnaire for Adolescents and Their Caregivers

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Validated English language measures for dyadic assessment and analyses of family asthma management are still rare and no such measure is available in the German Language so far. Aim: The aim of our study was the development and psychometric evaluation of a dyadic questionnaire allowing consideration of both adolescent and caregiver perceptions about responsibility sharing and collaboration in family asthma management. Method: The Dyadic Asthma Management Questionnaire (DAMQ) was developed with a combined theory-driven and empirical approach. For psychometric evaluation, structural validity, internal consistency, construct validity, and readability was tested in a sample of N = 150 adolescents with asthma and their primary caregivers ( N = 125). Analyses included a dyadic methodology and examination of measurement invariance across different age groups. Results: The DAMQ was generated as a two-part measure assessing (1) responsibility sharing and (2) collaboration in adolescent-caregiver asthma management. For both parts of the DAMQ and both adolescent and caregiver versions, a coherent factor structure with interpretable subscales and good psychometric properties (e.g., Cronbach’s α, ω, and glb > 70 for all scales) could be confirmed. Indices for older adolescents (≥ 14 years) proved to be better than those for younger adolescents (< 14 years). Limitations: Limitations concerning sampling, chosen factor analytic procedures, and the need for further research are discussed. Conclusion: The DAMQ has the potential to serve as a useful clinical tool to identify and compare adolescents’ and caregivers’ perspectives on asthma management, providing a potential starting point for targeted clinical interventions.