Health-related Quality of Life in Jack Jumper Ant venom Allergy: Validation of the "Venom-Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire" VQLQ

Kymble Spriggs; Marsus Pumar; Elizabeth Leahy; Nicole Weibel; Sara Barnes

doi:10.1016/j.jaip.2024.11.009

Health-related Quality of Life in Jack Jumper Ant venom Allergy: Validation of the "Venom-Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire" VQLQ

J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2024 Nov 21:S2213-2198(24)01174-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.11.009. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Kymble Spriggs¹, Marsus Pumar², Elizabeth Leahy², Nicole Weibel², Sara Barnes³

Affiliations

¹ Monash Health, Clayton, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia. Electronic address: kymble.spriggs@unimelb.edu.au.
² Monash Health, Clayton, Australia.
³ Monash Health, Clayton, Australia; Monash University, Clayton, Australia.

PMID: 39579979
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2024.11.009

Abstract

Background: Assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with allergy to the venom of the Jack Jumper Ant (JJA), Myrmecia pilosula - a Hymenoptera order species native and endemic to the South-Eastern quarter of Australia. This has not previously been studied, despite an estimated population prevalence of generalised allergic symptoms as high as 3% in some areas.

Objective: To validate the VQLQ HRQoL instrument - previously validated in wasp and bee venom allergic patients - for use in this specific ant venom-allergic population.

Methods: The 14-item VQLQ survey instrument was administered to patients with clinical allergy to JJA venom presenting at the state treatment centre for venom-immunotherapy. Surveys were performed at different time points of the progression through visits for venom immunotherapy treatment. Cross-sectional and longitudinal validation was performed against 'expectation of outcome'(EO) questionnaire by determining correlation and agreement.

Results: 271 individuals contributed survey data, comprising a median age of 52 years (3-85) with a bimodal distribution, with 25% being < 18 years of age. Internal consistency was excellent, with a Cronbach of 0.95. Cross-sectional validity was demonstrated with a positive correlation VQLQ to EO of 0.44 (p < 0.001). Performance was nearly identical when stratified into adults and children(<18 yo). Longitudinal Validity was suggested as both VQLQ and EO improved over time in both adults and children, but this only had paired correlation at two time points in adults. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated an acceptable agreement between VQLQ and EO and no evidence of systematic bias.

Conclusion: The VQLQ appears to offer similar performance of HRQoL measurement in patients suffering from JJA venom allergy, as has previously been demonstrated in other Hymenoptera species. In addition, this is the first study to demonstrate cross-sectional validity specifically in a paediatric population 3-18 years of age.

Keywords: Allergen Immunotherapy; Anaphylaxis; Health-Related Quality of Life; Hymenoptera; VQLQ.; Venom Immunotherapy.