Assessment of quality of life of primary caregivers of Egyptian asthmatic children and adolescents

Abstract

Background: Asthma as a serious public health problem worldwide exerts a serious load on children's health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and their families. Objective: We assess the HRQOL of the primary caregivers of Egyptian asthmatic children and adolescents and its relation to HRQOL of their children and asthma severity. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 128 pairs of asthmatic children (7–16 years) and their primary caregivers. Pediatric asthma quality of life (QOL) questionnaire, pediatric asthma caregiver's QOL questionnaire, and asthma control questionnaire were used. Results: Uncontrolled asthmatic patients had statistically significantly lower mean caregiver score compared to controlled asthmatic ( P < 0.005). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between caregiver's individual and overall QOL scores and their children (individual and overall QOL scores) ( P < 0.05). A statistically significant negative correlation between asthma severity and QOL scores of the caregivers of asthmatic children and adolescents was found ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The QOL of the primary caregivers of asthmatic children is significantly adversely affected by their children's illness severity.

Association between fractional exhaled nitric oxide and therapeutic adherence to controller management in pediatric asthma patients

“…According to government data, it is estimated that 12.5% of Colombians have asthma, while it is reported that prevalence of asthma in Colombian children ranges between 8% and 10.4% 4,5 . Data reveal that more than half of patients have inadequate therapeutic adherence to inhaled treatments, which leads to inadequate asthma control and a poor quality of life (QoL) for them and for their caregivers 1,2,6 …”

“…4,5 Data reveal that more than half of patients have inadequate therapeutic adherence to inhaled treatments, which leads to inadequate asthma control and a poor quality of life (QoL) for them and for their caregivers. 1,2,6 There are many factors associated with inadequate therapeutic adherence to asthma maintenance therapy that have been well documented in the literature. 1,7 Therapeutic adherence is not only affected by conditions related to the disease, such as duration and severity, but also depend on treatment-related characteristics such as frequency of dosing and side effects, socioeconomic factors, the physician-patient relationship, and adequate health system access.…”