Validation of the Reflux, Airway and Sleep Questionnaire (RASQ)

Abstract

Background. Airway symptoms and sleeplessness in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be of importance. This study validates a new questionnaire dealing with such symptoms. Material and methods. The Reflux, Airway and Sleep Questionnaire (RASQ) is self-administered, asks about 18 symptoms or diagnoses possibly related to GERD answered on a seven-point Likert scale and with a 1-year recall period. There are questions about heartburn/regurgitation, sleeplessness, snoring, pneumonia, and upper airway infections, as well as various bronchial and laryngeal symptoms. The study included 305 patients diagnosed with GERD (n = 65), laryngitis (n = 32), asthma (n = 30), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 45), acute bronchitis (n = 39), pneumonia (n = 42), or upper airway infection (n = 52) during the last year, and 708 matched healthy controls. Concurrent validity was based on comparisons between patients and controls. Convergent validity for sleeplessness and snoring were tested by comparing the RASQ with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Test–retest reliability was examined in patients with GERD with stable symptoms (n = 29). Results. Response rates were 64% for patients and 55% for controls. Scores for RASQ as a total and all subscales were significantly higher in patients than in controls. Sleeplessness scores correlated significantly to the global PSQI score. Snoring correlated significantly with both the ESS and relevant aspects of the PSQI. Test–retest reliability and Cronbach's alpha were satisfactory, with coefficients ranging between 0.65–0.95 and 0.88–0.92, respectively. Conclusion. The RASQ appears to be well suited for measuring typical reflux symptoms as well as airway symptoms and sleep disturbances.

Key Words::

• asthma
• bronchitis
• common cold
• gastroesophageal reflux
• laryngitis
• pharyngitis
• pneumonia
• questionnaires
• reproducibility of results
• sleep disorders

Acknowledgements

We are indebted to senior engineer Berit Marianne Bjelkåsen and her colleagues at the Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, NTNU, for technical and logistical assistance with the questionnaires.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.