Is continence status associated with quality of life in young children with spina bifida?

Kurt A. Freeman, Kathryn Smith, Elizabeth Adams, Stacey Mizokawa, Ann Neville-Jan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between child-and parent-reported quality of life (QOL) and bowel and bladder continence among young children with spina bifida (SB). METHODS: 104 children ages 5-12 years and one of their parents/guardians completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Generic Form (PedsQL; parent and child) and the Quality of Life in Spina Bifida Questionnaire (QOLSBQ, parent only). Data on continence, child age, and condition-specific variables were obtained by chart review. RESULTS: Parent and child QOL scores (on all measures of QOL) were positively correlated; parents rated child QOL lower than children's self report. QOL scores did not differ based on continence status. Total PedsQL scores were associated with age and mobility based on child report and with mobility based on parent report. CONCLUSIONS: QOL may not be affected by continence status among young children with SB, though demographic (i.e., age) and condition-specific (i.e., functional mobility status) variables appear relevant. Additional research is needed to further evaluate condition-specific variables, other protective variables, and possible measurement issues that influence QOL in young children with SB.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)215-223
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
Volume6
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013

Keywords

  • Spina bifida
  • children
  • continence
  • quality of life

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation

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