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| Authors | J. Hatzmann, H.S.A. Heymans, A. Ferrer-i-Carbonell, B.M.S. van Praag, M.A. Grootenhuis | | Title | Hidden consequences of success in pediatrics: Parental health-related quality of life—results from the Care Project |
| Journal | PEDIATRICS |
| Volume | 122 |
| Year | 2008 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | e1030-e1038 |
| ISSN | 00314005 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Economics and Business
AMC-UvA |
| Institute/dept. | FEB: Research Institute in Economics and Econometrics Amsterdam (RESAM) |
| Abstract | CONTEXT. The number of parents who care for a chronically ill child is increasing. Because of advances in medical care, parental caring tasks are changing. A detailed description of parental health-related quality of life will add to the understanding of the impact of caring for a chronically ill child. This will contribute to pediatric family care.
OBJECTIVE. Our goal was to determine the health-related quality of life of parents of chronically ill children compared with parents of healthy schoolchildren.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS. A survey of 533 parents of children with chronic conditions (10 diagnosis groups, children aged 1–19 years, diagnosed >1 year ago, living at home) and 443 parents of schoolchildren was conducted between January 2006 and September 2007. Parents were approached through Emma Children's Hospital (which has a tertiary referral and a regional function) and through parent associations. The comparison group included parents of healthy schoolchildren. Health-related quality of life was assessed with the TNO-AZL Questionnaire for Adult's Health Related Quality of Life.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE. Health-related quality of life measures gross and fine motor function, cognitive functioning, sleep, pain, social functioning, daily activities, sexuality, vitality, positive and depressive emotions, and aggressiveness. The health-related quality of life of the study group was compared with that of the comparison group, and effect sizes were estimated. The percentages of parents at risk for a low health-related quality of life were compared with the 25th percentile scores of the comparison group.
RESULTS. Parents of chronically ill children had a significantly lower health-related quality of life. Subgroup analysis showed lower health-related quality of life on sleep, social functioning, daily activities, vitality, positive emotions, and depressive emotions in disease-specific groups. On average, 45% of the parents were at risk for health-related quality-of-life impairment.
CONCLUSIONS. Parents of chronically ill children report a seriously lower health-related quality of life, which should receive attention and supportive care if necessary. A family-centered approach in pediatrics is recommended. |
| Document type | Article |
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