Work

Trajectories of Health-Related Quality of Life Among Children With Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To identify two-year trajectories of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among children with newly diagnosed epilepsy, and evaluate key predictors of HRQOL trajectories. METHODS: This study is part of a prospective study of adherence and HRQOL outcomes in children with epilepsy. Caregivers completed an HRQOL questionnaire at one month post diagnosis and every three months thereafter for two years. Chart review and additional questionnaires were used to collect medical variables and seizure outcomes. RESULTS: Participants included 120 children with epilepsy and their caregiver. Unique trajectories for overall HRQOL and PedsQL™ subscales were identified and were predominantly stable. A total side effects score emerged as a consistent predictor of all HRQOL domains. Other variables (i.e., socioeconomic status, seizures, internalizing and externalizing problems) uniquely predicted HRQOL domains. CONCLUSIONS: Medical and psychosocial interventions should be implemented soon after treatment initiation to target modifiable factors (e.g., side effects, anxiety symptoms), which could improve HRQOL.

Source: Journal of Pediatric Psychology

DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsw019

Authors: Kristin A. Loiselle, Rachelle R. Ramsey, Joseph R. Rausch, Avani C. Modi

Institutions: Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Epilepsy research and treatment

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development