Ecological predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among children from low-income families in South Korea

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the level of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to investigate the ecological predictors that associated with HRQoL of children from low-income families in South Korea. This study employed a descriptive, correlational, non-experimental research design. The convenience sample included 141 school-age children from low-income families using a community child care center. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was employed. The mean score of the children's HRQoL was 77.35 out of 100. The predictors that associated with the HRQoL of the children were health perception, health-promoting behaviors at the intrapersonal level, peer support at the interpersonal level, and the daily time use at the center at the organizational level. These variables accounted for 48.2% of the variance in HRQoL. The HRQoL of children from low-income families was associated with not only by intrapersonal factors but also by environmental factors. Therefore, it is necessary to provide multi-level interventions to improve these children's HRQoL.