Quality of life of children with bronchial asthma and their care givers: A hospital-based study

Abstract

Objectives:This study aims to describe the health related quality of life and their associated factors in children with bronchial asthma as well as their caregivers in Mansoura, Egypt. Methods:This cross-section hospital-based study included 171dyad ofchildren with physician diagnosed asthma and their caregivers attending the outpatients' clinics of three hospitals. Data were collected using the Arabic versions of the pediatric asthma quality of life questionnaire (PAQLQ) and the pediatric asthma caregiver’s quality of life questionnaire (PACQLQ). Asthma severity was assessed using GINA guidelines. Results:The overall mean scores of the PAQLQ and its activity, emotions and symptoms domains were 4.7, 4.3, 4.9 and 4.7; respectively. The overall mean scores of the total PACQLQ and its activity and emotions domains were 4.2, 5.4 and 4.0; respectively. Children with low had a significantly lower total, activity domain and emotions domain, domain PAQLQ scores. Low and very low socioeconomic status of the family, uncontrolled and severe asthma are associated with low quality of life of both asthmatic child and his care givers. Conclusions: Early control of severe asthma will contribute to a better quality of life of affected children and their caregivers.