No abstract

Introduction: Bronchial asthma is one of the most common childhood diseases. It imposes significant burden on children's health related quality of life despite the availability of effective and safe treatment. So, this study was conducted to assess the quality of life (QOL) in children with bronchial asthma and to study the impact of various clinical and socio-demographic factors on their QOL. Methods: Observational, hospital based study conducted in Pediatric chest clinic of a tertiary care teaching Hospital on children between 7-17 years of age, newly or previously diagnosed with bronchial asthma over a period of one year. Using the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (Standardized), (PAQLQ(S)) the quality of life was assessed in relation to clinical and socio-demographic data among newly diagnosed and follow-up cases of asthma. Results: Of the 90 children enrolled, 20 were newly diagnosed and 70 were follow up cases with male female ratio of 2.1: 1. Children reported more impairment in PAQLQ(S) scores if the onset of symptoms was before one year of age, in those with frequent exacerbations, poor treatment compliance, poorly controlled symptoms and Children with history of school absenteeism. The mean PAQLQ(S) score was lowest in emotional function among newly diagnosed and follow up cases. Statistically significant difference was observed between PAQLQ(S) scores of controlled, partly controlled and uncontrolled cases of asthma. Conclusion: Although children improved clinically with treatment, asthma had a significant impact on emotional status of the children.