Parents underestimate fatigue in younger children aged 5–7 years with asthma but not in older children

Abstract

AimTo assess fatigue in children aged 2–17 years with asthma from both child and parent perspectives and describe associated factors.MethodsFatigue scores were self‐reported by children aged 5–17 years old and proxy‐reported by parents or carers for all children. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Multidimensional Fatigue Scale was used. Fatigue scores ranged from 0 to 100, higher scores meant less fatigue.ResultsThere were 527 children and parents enrolled. The mean overall fatigue score by self‐report was 72.7 ± 15.8 and by proxy report was 75.8 ± 16.3. Self‐reported fatigue score was lower in children aged 5–7 years (71.5 ± 15.9) compared to proxy‐reported score (76.3 ± 15.5). Proxy and self‐reported fatigue scores were similar between parents and older children. Fatigue scores were lower in association with poor asthma control and receipt of social support. Lower self‐reported, but not proxy‐reported, fatigue score was related to asthma severity. Lower proxy‐reported, but not self‐reported, fatigue score was related to the child being older and having shortness of breath.ConclusionParents underestimated the fatigue of younger children aged 5–7 years, but fatigue scores were similar between parents and older children. Both clinical and social factors are associated with fatigue in children with asthma.