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

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to describe the health-related quality of life (QOL) 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 171 dyad of children 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 Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines. Results: The overall mean scores of the PAQLQ and its activity, emotion, and symptom domains were 4.7, 4.3, 4.9, and 4.7; respectively. The overall mean scores of the total PACQLQ and its activity and emotion domains were 4.2, 5.4, and 4.0; respectively. Children with low socioeconomic status (SES) had a significantly lower total, activity and emotion domains of PAQLQ scores. Low and very low SES of the family, uncontrolled, and severe asthma are associated with low QOL of both asthmatic child and his caregivers. Conclusions: Early control of severe asthma will contribute to a better QOL of affected children and their caregivers.