Normative Values for the Leicester Cough Questionnaire in Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Introduction: The primary self-assessment questionnaire used for patients with chronic cough is the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ). The LCQ is a validated questionnaire that ranges in total score from 3 to 21. While it is known that a higher score on the LCQ reflects a better quality of life, normative data have not been reported for this questionnaire. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine normative LCQ scores on a healthy population without cough. Methods: The LCQ was distributed via electronic survey to the authors’ universities, professional affiliation email lists, and personal contacts. Participants were included if they were at least 18, nonsmokers, and without abnormal cough, without pulmonary disease, and without neurological disease. Participants answered questions regarding age, gender, and race/ethnicity, and completed the 19 LCQ questions. Results: One hundred forty-three (118 women) LCQ responses were analyzed. Average participant age was 47 years (SD = 13) and 133 (93%) were Caucasian. The mean LCQ Total score was 20.23 (SD = 0.85) with scores ranging from 17.05 to 21. Conclusions: This study determined the following LCQ scores should be considered normal threshold scores: Total score – 17.68, Physical domain – 5.36, Psychological domain – 5.81, and Social domain – 6.06. The findings of this study will assist clinicians in determining severity of cough impact on quality of life using the LCQ. Further research is needed to ensure more complete participant demographic representation.