Evaluation of the Arabic version of the Asthma Trigger Inventory among asthmatic pediatric patients in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background Asthma Trigger Inventory (ATI) is available in English, German, and Spanish languages, however, a version in Arabic language specifically tailored for identifying asthma triggers within Saudi Arabia has been missing. Objectives To assess the reliability and validity of the adapted Arabic ATI among parents of asthmatic children in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-cultural adaptation of the ATI was conducted, adding seven region-specific triggers to reflect cultural and environmental factors. The Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PACQLQ) was used to assess quality of life. Construct validity of the Arabic ATI was evaluated via exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and reliability was measured with Cronbach’s alpha. Results EFA yielded a KMO of 0.634 and a significant Bartlett’s Test (χ2 = 10,005.076, p < 0.001). Six trigger subscales showed high reliability (α > 0.90), though Middle Eastern triggers had lower internal consistency (α = -0.11). Physical and psychological triggers correlated significantly with poorer quality of life (exercise: r = -0.662, p < 0.001; psychological: r = -0.307, p < 0.001). Air pollution and Middle Eastern triggers correlated positively with quality of life (r = 0.222, p < 0.001 and r = 0.245, p < 0.001). Conclusion The Arabic version of the ATI exhibited robust reliability and validity when administered to parents of asthmatic children in Saudi Arabia. Additional research is warranted to further validate its applicability across various Arabic-speaking populations.