Quality of life and health services utilization for children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Purpose To examine the health-related quality of life of children with cerebral palsy and its relationship with their use of health resources, taking into account sociodemographic factors concerning the family context. Design and methods Cross-sectional study of children with cerebral palsy in Granada (Spain). Quality of life was evaluated with PedsQL questionnaire. Results A total of 75 children were analysed (mean age 7.41 years; SD 4.37; 50.7% male). They made an average of 22.80 visits (SD 12.43) per year; greater use was made of resources by children who had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy for <45 months (36.00 vs. 26.93 visits per year, p < 0.0001). Older children suffered more fatigue and pain. Children aged 2–4 years who presented with fatigue had more hospitalizations (r = −0.35; p = 0.20), whereas those >4 years who had a higher quality of life for daily activities had made more visits to hospital A&E (r = 0.35, p = 0.043). Among the children studied, there was no significant association between HRQOL and the parents' education or occupation. Conclusion These findings highlight variables that may influence children's quality of life and their use of health resources, identifying certain profiles of children who might need individualized interventions. Practice implications These findings could inform services provided by paediatric nurses to children with cerebral palsy, to individualize interventions and improve patient centred care.