Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life Affecting Asthmatic Children and Their Caregivers in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (Uduth), Sokoto, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Asthma is the most common chronic respiratory disease among children which impairs various bio-psychosocial domains of health. Hence, a wholistic approach in management should be key; consisting of the convectional clinical indices assessment as well as improvement in the quality of life (QoL) through assessment of predictors that influences health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among the asthmatic children and their caregivers.

Aim: To determine the predictors of HRQoL affecting asthmatic children and their caregivers.

Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study conducted among 80 asthmatic children (aged 7-15 years) and their caregivers during a period of 4 months. The diagnosis was made based on Global Initiative for asthma (GINA) criteria. Biodata, socio-demographic and anthropometrics information were collected using a predesigned questionnaire; standardized paediatric asthma QoL (PAQOLQ) and caregiver QoL (PACQoLQ) questionnaire were used to assess QoL, asthma control and severity was assessed based on GINA classification. Spirometry was done using a portable spirometer. Data was analysed with SPSS version 22.

Results: The mean age of the asthmatic children was 11.4±2.6 years, mothers comprise 95% of the caregivers. Older Age, higher  educational level and good caregiver's QoL grade were the positive predictors of HRQoL among asthmatic children. Presence of a caregiver with smoking habit, obesity, and overweight were the negative predictors of HRQoL among asthmatic children. Good lung function tests (higher FEV1/FVC) and good QoL among the asthmatic children were positive predictors of HRQoL among the caregivers.

Conclusion: Assessment of Predictors of HRQoL in the evaluation of asthmatic children will help in strategizing a management plan for a better asthma care outcome. This is because it is the quality of care that produces wellness, which is assessed by QoL.