Questionnaire on health systems and national resources for control of respiratory health in low-income countries

BACKGROUND: Due to increased exposure to risk factors such as ageing and tobacco smoking, chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) have become a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Data on CRDs and their management in developing countries (DC) are nevertheless sparse and not comparable. OBJECTIVE: To implement and validate a standardised self-administered questionnaire to be proposed to health authorities to assess the resources of their health system for dealing with respiratory diseases. METHODS: The questionnaire concerned social security, description of the health system, human resources available within the system, initial training and continuing education of health personnel, existence of a list of essential drugs, vaccine coverage and specific resources involved in CRD and tobacco control. RESULTS: The validity of the criteria of the questionnaire was tested in Reunion Island, where health data are accessible and reliable, and was found to be satisfactory. Its acceptability and relevance were deemed appropriate in Tunisia and in Mozambique. CONCLUSION: The self-administered questionnaire is a simple, reliable and cheap tool. Although designed for the study of respiratory diseases, it can easily be transposed and adapted to other pathologies. © 2005 The Union.