Health-Related Quality of Life Predicts Psychology Referral in Youth with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

PurposeThe current study sought to explore psychosocial data gathered from routine screening within an interdisciplinary IBD program, with two-fold aims: 1) to examine parent-child agreement across health-related quality of life domains and 2) to evaluate the differential predictive value of child and parent ratings of health-related quality of life domains on referrals for psychological services. Design and methodsA convenience sample of 92 youth (ages 8–18) and their parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. ResultsChildren and parents showed moderate to good agreement across health-related quality of life domains. Additionally, regression analyses revealed that child and parent-proxy reports of emotional difficulties, parent report of school difficulties, and child report of physical symptoms were significantly predictive of psychology referral status. ConclusionsStudy findings suggest moderate to good agreement among child and parent-proxy reporters and support the shared value of both child and parent ratings of health-related quality of life in predicting psychology referrals in youth with IBD. Practice implicationsRoutine psychosocial screening among youth with IBD can promote the early identification of emotional and behavioral needs, and family receipt of appropriate, evidence-based intervention.