Changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a population-based sample of children and adolescents after 3 years of follow-up.

Journal article

OBJECTIVES: To assess changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and adolescents over a 3-year period and to examine factors associated with change. METHODS: A representative sample of Spanish children and adolescents aged 8-18 years and their parents completed the KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire at baseline and again after 3 years. Data were also collected on gender, pubertal development (PD), and family socio-economic status (SES). Change in HRQOL over time was evaluated using effect sizes (ES). Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyze associations among changes in KIDSCREEN scores, socio-demographic factors, and pubertal development. RESULTS: Response rate at follow-up was 54% (n = 454). Overall, HRQoL worsened in eight out of the ten KIDSCREEN dimensions, with ES ranging from -0.10 (Moods and Emotions) to -0.34 (Psychological Well-being). The decrease was most marked in the intermediate age group (13-17 years of age at follow-up) and in girls. In the GEE models, pubertal development more strongly impacted changes in girls than in boys. CONCLUSIONS: In this representative, population-based sample of children and adolescents, moderate decrements in HRQoL were observed after 3 years. Changes were particularly important among girls and in relation to pubertal development. These results could provide useful reference data for other longitudinal studies in population sub-groups.

Authors: Palacio-Vieira, J; Villalonga-Olives, E; Valderas, J; Espallargues, M; Herdman, M

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 1207-1215
• Publication date: 2008-12-01
• DOI: 10.1007/s11136-008-9405-7
• EISSN: 1573-2649
• ISSN: 0962-9343
• Language: English
• Keywords: Adolescent; Female; Child; Male; Questionnaires; Health Status Indicators; Quality of Life; Humans; Follow-Up Studies; Spain; Interviews as Topic