Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and its associated factors in children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)

Abstract

BackgroundThe objective of the study was to describe the baseline health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a cohort of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), and analyze its associated clinical and sociodemographic factors, assessing HRQOL through internet.MethodsThis was a descriptive study of 136 patients with T1DM from 5 hospitals in Catalonia, Spain (72 girls, mean age 13.4 years (range 8–19). Inclusion criteria were more than 6 months from diagnosis, more than 8 years old and without cognitive problems. Sociodemographic (age, sex, family level of education, type of family and origin) and clinical variables (type of insulin therapy, duration of disease, adherence to treatment, body mass index and HbA1c) were collected. HRQOL was assessed using the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D-Y) and KIDSCREEN, collected via web. Mental health status was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Multiple linear regression models were adjusted.ResultsPhysical-well-being mean scores were lower (worse) than the European average (<50) and especially in girls, older children (>11 years old), those from single-parent families, and those with low adherence. Older children and patients with poor metabolic control (HbA1c >7,5% [58 mmol/mol]) showed worse scores in the KIDSCREEN-10 index. Similar results were observed with the EQ-5D-Y. Multivariate models showed that age, single-parent families, adherence and mental health were the most influential factors.ConclusionsDiabetic patients report similar HRQOL than the population of the same age with slightly worse physical well-being. The study shows some factors to be taken into account to improve HRQOL, and also the feasibility of using web to collect information in clinical practice.

Validation of the Arabic and Tunisian Arabic version of the KINDL questionnaires for children with diabetes type 1

“…Evidence shows that better HRQOL is associated with better metabolic control although this relationship is modest, in many studies [5,21]. In our study, it is not possible to establish the directionality of association between HRQOL and HbA1c.…”

“…Its management is complex, requiring a high degree of responsibility and self-control to achieve an adequate metabolic control. Key aspects to succeed are the support of a multidisciplinary team, education in disease management with decision-making capacity, the possibilities offered by new technologies and the emotional sphere of the patient and family [5]. …”

Parent-child discrepancy in the assessment of health- related quality of life using the EQ-5D-Y questionnaire

“…In addition, the questionnaire has been extensively used worldwide in different populations with special health features, [22][23][24][25] and its metric properties have been described in its Spanish version for Spain, 6 as well as its comprehensibility and cultural adaptation in the general population. 7 In this regard, a pilot test was done in advance to assess the questionnaire's comprehensibility using query and paraphrasing methods in the target population, and it demonstrated an optimal comprehensibility.…”

Discrepancia en la evaluación de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud entre niños y padres a través del cuestionario EQ-5D-Y

“…Además, el uso de este cuestionario está muy extendido internacionalmente en diferentes poblaciones con características especiales de salud, [22][23][24][25] cuyas propiedades métricas han sido descritas en su versión española para España, 6 así como su comprensibilidad y adaptación cultural en población general. 7 En este sentido, se ha realizado previamente un estudio piloto para evaluar la comprensibilidad mediante métodos de indagación y parafraseo en la población objetivo y se ha presentado una óptima comprensibilidad.…”