Accuracy of Arabic versions of three asthma symptoms questionnaires against the clinical diagnosis of asthma.

Validation studies of asthma symptom questionnaires against provocation tests of bronchial hyperresponsiveness have shown comparable performances of written and video taped questionnaires. This study aimed to determine the test characteristics of Arabic versions of two written and one video taped questionnaires when compared to the clinical diagnosis of asthma made by two respiratory physicians. The written International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire had higher sensitivities and greater accuracy than the other two questionnaires. Comparisons between corresponding questions and scenes in the ISAAC questionnaires in general revealed no significant differences in performance. The ISAAC written questionnaire had test characteristics consistent with its potential use as a screening instrument for asthma in this population of children.