Validation of the adapted version of the Rhinits Control Assessment Test questionnaire for children between six and eleven years of age (RCAT kids)

• Grant number: 16/17560-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2016
• End date: November 30, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Gustavo Falbo Wandalsen
• Grantee: Fábio Zanini
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The Rhinitis Control Assessment Test questionnaire (RCAT) evaluates the level of allergic rhinitis symptoms control. The Portuguese version of the questionnaire was recently applied to patients older than 12 years and demonstrated reliability, validity and reproducibility. Patients considered the questionnaire as a good instrument to assess allergic rhinitis control. In the absence of a similar assessment tool for children 6 to 11 years, it was developed by the researchers of our department an adaptation of RCAT - the RCAT Kids - which aims to serve as a tool to assess the level of control of rhinitis in patients aged 6 to 11 years old. Therefore we will evaluate 140 children. RCAT Kids questionnaire, nasal symptoms score, extra nasal symptoms score and an objective measure of nasal function (nasal inspiratory peak flow) will be measured. We will also register the medical opinion about the patient symptoms control and adherence to the proposed treatment. Questionnaires will be reapplied later in patients who have return of the initial consultation to evaluate its reliability and responsiveness. Adaptation and validation of this new questionnaire has great practical potential and could serve as an additional tool in the management of allergic rhinitis in children. (AU)