Efficiency of Quality of Life Assessment in Children with Articular Syndrome in the Practice of Family Doctor

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the quality of life in children with articular syndrome, and justify the importance of introduction of the quality of life research methodology in daily practice of the family doctor. Sixty children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, 28 patients with reactive arthritis, and 30 healthy children were examined. The quality of life in children with articular syndrome was determined by questioning of their parents by means of Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) and Child Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ). It was established that juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is accompanied by deterioration of physical and psychosocial health, while children with reactive arthritis were characterized only by problems with physical health (p < 0.05). CHAQ and CHQ are effective, simple, and easy-to-use tools for the assessment of articular syndrome impact on the quality of life in children. The view of the child and his parents to the disease can help a family doctor better assess the health status of each individual patient, and to make in time a decision about further management of the patient. In addition, the study of the quality of life in children with articular syndrome allows a family doctor to easily differentiate those patients, who primarily require professional psychological assistance.

Keywords

• quality of life
• articular syndrome
• Child Health Questionnaire
• Child Health Assessment Questionnaire
• children