Effect on Health-related Quality of Life of changes in mental health in children and adolescents

• Main Authors: Villalonga-Olives Ester, López-Aguilà Sílvia, Herdman Michael, Palacio-Vieira Jorge A, Rajmil Luis, Valderas Josep M, Espallargues Mireia, Alonso Jordi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-12-01
• Series: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes
• Online Access: http://www.hqlo.com/content/7/1/103

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The objective of the study was to assess the effect of changes in mental health status on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents aged 8 - 18 years.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A representative sample of Spanish children and adolescents aged 8-18 years completed the self-administered KIDSCREEN-52 questionnaire at baseline and after 3 years. Mental health status was measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Changes on SDQ scores over time were used to classify respondents in one of 3 categories (improved, stable, worsened). Data was also collected on gender, undesirable life events, and family socio-economic status. Changes in HRQOL were evaluated using effect sizes (ES). A multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of poor HRQOL at follow-up.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Response rate at follow-up was 54% (n = 454). HRQOL deteriorated in all groups on most KIDSCREEN dimensions. Respondents who worsened on the SDQ showed the greatest deterioration, particularly on Psychological well-being (ES = -0.81). Factors most strongly associated with a decrease in HRQOL scores were undesirable life events and worsening SDQ score.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Changes in mental health status affect children and adolescents' HRQOL. Improvements in mental health status protect against poorer HRQOL while a worsening in mental health status is a risk factor for poorer HRQOL.</p>