Article

PURPOSE: To explore International Classification of Functioning, Disability and
Health (ICF)-based functional components and contextual factors associated with
perceived quality of life (QOL) for youth with chronic conditions from the
perspective of youth and parents. METHOD: Baseline data were obtained from a
longitudinal study examining predictors of changes in perceived QOL for youth
with chronic conditions. 439 youth aged 11-17 (and one of their parents)
completed a questionnaire. Standardized tools were used to measure youth
functioning, contextual factors and perceived QOL. Multivariate linear regression
analyses, controlling for socio-demographic and health information, were
conducted to explore correlations among youth functioning/contextual factors and
youth and parent perceptions of youth QOL. RESULTS: Significant (p </= 0.05)
negative correlates with both youth and parent perceptions of youth QOL included
pain/other physical symptoms and emotional symptoms. Significant factors
positively correlated with youth and parent perceptions of youth QOL included
school productivity and spirituality. Other significant positive correlates of
youth perspectives were family social support and school belongingness/safety.
Family functioning was positively correlated, and youth social anxiety and
environmental barriers were negatively correlated, with parent perceptions of
youth QOL. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence of factors upon
which services aimed at improving perceived QOL of youth with chronic conditions
could be based. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: This study supports the utility
of clinicians assessing the QOL of youth with chronic conditions in terms of
youths' and their families' perspectives. This is the first study to identify key
factors that impact perceived QOL at one point in time across a group of youth
with chronic conditions, offering clinicians a main starting-point for
considering youths' strengths and needs and the supportiveness of the
environment. Findings suggest youth and families would benefit from the
availability of services that encompass the full scope of the ICF.

Langue : ANGLAIS