Children (Nov 2022)

Psychological Effects and Quality of Life in Parents and Children with Jia-Associated Uveitis

  • Silvana Guerriero,
  • Roberta Palmieri,
  • Francesco Craig,
  • Francesco La Torre,
  • Valeria Albano,
  • Gianni Alessio,
  • Massimo Corsalini,
  • Paola Lecce,
  • Andrea De Giacomo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/children9121864
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 9, no. 12
p. 1864

Abstract

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Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory disease common in children and young adults. Uveitis is the most frequent serious extra-articular JIA manifestation and can lead to severe ocular complications, vision loss, and permanent blindness. This study aims to evaluate the psychological condition and the quality of life of children affected by JIA associated with uveitis (JIA-U) and the repercussion of this condition on parents. Thirty children and adolescents with active uveitis (Uveitis group) and comorbid joint symptoms of JIA were referred to the Unit of Ophthalmology, Giovanni XXIII Hospital of Bari, and 30 age-matched healthy controls (Healthy group) were enrolled with their parents. Four questionnaires were administered: Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), Parent Stress Index in Short Form (PSI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). The data were collected from February 2021 to December 2021. No significant differences between the two groups in CBCL, PSI, or CISS tests were shown (p > 0.05). Conversely, significant differences between the two groups were observed in the PedsQL (p < 0.05). This study shows how several ocular complications, recurrent eye examinations, and the rigor of long-term treatment may negatively influence health-related quality of life in children with JIA-U.

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