Article

PURPOSE : To chart the 3-year course of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of
9--13-year-old children with cerebral palsy (CP), and to determine its
relationship with gross motor abilities and mental health. METHODS: Children (n =
91; 58 boys, mean age 11 years, age ranging from 8 years and 6 months to 13 years
and 8 months) and parents were assessed annually with the TNO-AZL questionnaires
for children's health-related quality of life as a dependent variable, and the
gross motor function measure for children with CP and the child behaviour check
list as independent variables. Results: The children reported lower HRQoL
compared with children in the general population, but reported a higher HRQoL
than their parents. The HRQoL remained fairly stable over the 3 years, except for
an increase in the autonomy domain. The HRQOL was moderately associated with
gross motor abilities, and negatively associated with internalising mental health
problems. Externalising problems were only negatively associated with
parent-reported HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: Children with CP are more resilient and
positive about their HRQoL than their parents think they are. In general, mental
health in children with CP appeared to be important in understanding their
perceived QoL, in addition to the severity of the CP itself.

Langue : ANGLAIS