Health-related quality of life, service utilisation and costs for anxiety disorders in children and young people: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IF 4.9 2区医学 Q1 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Social Science & Medicine Pub Date : 2025-03-26 DOI:10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118023

Sithara Wanni Arachchige Dona , Kaitlyn McKenna , Thi Quynh Anh Ho , Shalika Bohingamu Mudiyanselage , Monique Seymour , Ha N.D. Le , Lisa Gold

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Anxiety disorders (ADs) are common mental health issues in children and young people (CYP). The literature on its overall economic burden regarding health-related quality of life (HRQoL), service use and costs is limited. This study synthesises the literature on how ADs are associated with these outcomes in CYP (0–24 years) and caregivers.

Method

A systematic search was undertaken across six databases from January 2013 to the end of December 2024. Grey literature was also searched. Dual-independent screening and quality assessment were conducted. An adapted version of the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool was used for quality assessment. Narrative synthesis and meta-analysis were conducted.

Results

Of 41,166 studies identified, 24 studies were included. Most were cross-sectional; only four were longitudinal, with 1.5- to 6-year follow-up periods. Studies found poorer HRQoL in CYP with ADs compared to those without ADs or healthy peers. The meta-analysis found a strong effect on the psychological/emotional and social functioning of HRQoL. Comorbid ADs were also associated with poor overall HRQoL, with a particularly very large effect on emotional functioning. Limited studies show that childhood ADs were associated with increased health service use and costs, with mixed findings on caregivers’ HRQoL.

Conclusion

ADs in CYP were associated with lower HRQoL for CYP and their caregivers, and with increased health service use and costs. This review highlights the need for future research to examine the burden on caregivers and the long-term impact on CYP's HRQoL, service use and costs.

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来源期刊

Social Science & Medicine PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH-

CiteScore

9.10

自引率

5.60%

发文量

762

审稿时长

38 days

期刊介绍： Social Science & Medicine provides an international and interdisciplinary forum for the dissemination of social science research on health. We publish original research articles (both empirical and theoretical), reviews, position papers and commentaries on health issues, to inform current research, policy and practice in all areas of common interest to social scientists, health practitioners, and policy makers. The journal publishes material relevant to any aspect of health from a wide range of social science disciplines (anthropology, economics, epidemiology, geography, policy, psychology, and sociology), and material relevant to the social sciences from any of the professions concerned with physical and mental health, health care, clinical practice, and health policy and organization. We encourage material which is of general interest to an international readership.