Objective Versus Subjective Ratings of Asthma Severity: Differential Predictors of Illness Uncertainty and Psychological Distress in College Students With Asthma

Abstract

This study explored differences in subjective versus objective ratings of asthma severity and their relation to illness uncertainty and psychological distress in college students with asthma. One hundred and two college students with childhood-onset asthma completed measures of illness uncertainty, psychological distress, and subjective ratings of asthma severity. Objective severity ratings were assigned based on National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines. Although the ratings of asthma severity were positively correlated, only subjective ratings of asthma severity predicted uncertainty. Finally, although objective ratings of asthma severity may offer utility in medical decision making, it may be beneficial to also utilize subjective ratings of asthma severity.

Notes

∗p < 0.05.

∗∗p < 0.01.

∗p < 0.01.

∗p < 0.05.

∗∗p < 0.01.