Article

Measurement of quality of life is becoming increasingly important in health care.
Self-reported quality of life is the preferred method of gathering this
information, but children are often excluded from this process, their input being
replaced by parent-proxy report. This feasibility study tested assessment of
"daily" quality-of-life by a self-reported computerized method in boys with
neuromuscular disorders. To establish feasibility, the method was required to be
engaging, consistent, and convenient. Ten boys, aged 9-16 years, were given a
personal digital assistant (PDA) and prompted randomly, eight times/day for 1
week, to answer 19 questions about their daily experiences (including happiness,
mood, self-esteem, location, and activity). Subjects completed sampling with an
acceptable response rate (79%). Split-week reliability analysis for participant
variability (r = 0.45-0.88) indicated acceptable consistency. Participants
reported that the method was easy and convenient, and analysis of standardized
mean scores supported internal validity. The computerized method to assess
"daily" quality of life, from the child's perspective, was feasible and may be
useful to understand the impact of disease progression and interventions on
day-to-day function.

Langue : ANGLAIS