Neuropediatrics 2013; 44 - PS20_1207
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1337858

Quality of life and mental health of neuropediatric patients

A Novak 1, K Klaus 2, R Seidl 1, H Werneck 3, M Schubert 1, B Otzelberger 2, M Freilinger 1
  • 1Medizinische Universität Wien, Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Wien, Austria
  • 2Universität Wien, Fakultät für Psychologie, Wien, Austria
  • 3Universität Wien, Fakultät für Psychologie, Institut für Angewandte Psychologie, Wien, Austria

Aims: The primary aim of this study was to investigate quality of life (QoL) and mental issues in neurologically ill children and adolescents.

Methods: Total of 100 patients aged 4 to 18 years and their parents were surveyed in the period from March to August, 2012, in our neuropediatric outpatient clinic. Questionnaires and interviews used were a self-created questionnaire on family and social history and questionnaires on QoL (KINDL-R) and behavioral problems and resources (SDQ, Strengths & Difficulties Questionnaire). The patients' groß motor functions were classified by pediatric neurologists using a standardized groß motor function classification system (GMFCS-E&R). Data were evaluated using descriptive, multivariate, and correlation calculations (SPSS Statistics 20). Variables applied were gender, age, generation as well as the GMFCS score.

Results: The sample showed significantly lower QoL compared with a healthy normal population, within the group the girls' QoL was estimated lower by the parents than the boys'. The 4- to 8-year-old children rated their own QoL significantly better than their parents did. The prevalence rate of mental issues in this clinical sample was 38% with hyperactivity the most pronounced problem, whereas it was 55% in patients with the most serious motor impairment. Group comparisons pointed out that recovered children and adolescents had significantly less mental issues than children and adolescents with acute or chronic symptoms. Finally, multiple linear regression showed mental issues and motor problems to have a significant explanatory value in QoL (R = 44.9%).

Conclusion: The one-third higher prevalence rate of mental issues in neurologically handicapped patients compared with healthy children and the clearly negative influence of mental issues on QoL of children emphasize the need to pay more attention to this patient group. Beside support and advisory services focused screening and QoL instruments should be a substantial resource and important matter of concern.