Socioeconomic Factors and Quality of Life Perceived by Parents and Children with Complex Chronic Conditions in Spain

Abstract

Health-related quality of life of children with complex chronic conditions could be affected by sociodemographic factors. Most studies focus exclusively on the parents’ perceptions of quality of life. This study aimed to determine the health-related quality of life of these children, according to their parents and the children themselves. A cross-sectional study was developed on children aged over five years with complex chronic conditions. Health-related quality of life, educational attainment, and social status were evaluated. A total of 101 children were included with a mean age of 10.48 years, and 35.6% were female. The most frequent disease was oncological (28.7%). Children perceived a better health-related quality of life, compared to their parents’ assessment: median difference −8.4 (95%CI: −9.2 to −3.8). Moreover, differences were observed by socioeconomic factors. Parents and children with complex chronic conditions perceive differently the health-related quality of life. Social determinants associate with an uneven perceived quality of life.

Keywords

• chronic disease
• multiple chronic conditions
• children
• quality of life
• socioeconomic factors