This paper describes the Health Related Quality of Life of children born preterm. We found differences between the neonatologist and the parent in perception of the child’s situation, which can have clinical consequences.
Theunissen, N.C.M., Veen, S., Fekkes, M., Koopman, H.M., Zwinderman, A.H., Brugman, E., & Wit, J.M. (2001). Quality of life in preschool children born preterm. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 43, 460-465. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2001.tb00743.x
Abstract
Objective: The relationship of a preterm birth with Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was examined for children aged 1-4.
Sample: Three gestational age groups were selected, < 32 weeks (n=65) , 32-37 weeks (n=41), >37 weeks (n=54), and a reference group from the open population (n=50).
Design: Main instrument was the TAPQOL questionnaire, which was completed by the parents. Other outcome measures obtained from parents or neonatologists were investigated in addition.
Main results: Children born <32 weeks had significantly lower HRQoL than the reference group in the scales for lungs, stomach, eating disorders, motor functioning, communication and anxiety. Parental feelings towards the child were related to the child’s HRQoL. We found differences between the neonatologist and the parent in perception of the child’s situation, which can have clinical consequences.
Conclusion: Neonatal intensive care after birth has HRQoL implications for all children, particularly in children born <32 weeks of gestation.
Keywords
health related quality of life, health status, preterm birth, pre-school children, infants, (very)-low-birth-weight infants,
Topic: Health Psychology
Code: N0850