Health-related quality of life in children with neurodevelopmental disorders in Bangladesh.

BACKGROUND

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are chronic disorders considered an emerging public health problem. This condition can markedly impair the Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL). This study aimed to examine the HRQoL among children with NDDs.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 73 parents/caregivers of children with NDDs aged 2-12 years. Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 Generic Core Scale was used to assess the HRQoL. A multiple linear regression model was performed to assess the association.

RESULTS

Among the 73 parents/caregivers, majority of their children fell into 2-4 year age group, with 70% being male. In contrast to other NDDs, this study highlights that the mean HRQoL scores for Cerebral palsy (CP), Down syndrome, Intellectual disability (ID), Motor disorders, and Neurogenetic disorders were below 50 on the 0-100 scale. The analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of NDD categories on the physical domain of QoL. Findings from regression analysis highlight that the physical functioning domain of QoL was significantly influenced by factors including age [ß: 2.44; 95%CI: (0.07, 4.81)], various NDDs, such as Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder [ß: -25.54, 95%CI: (-43.12, -7.96)], Autism [ß: -25.44, 95%CI: (-41.51, -9.37)], CP [ß: -46.52, 95%CI: (-65.41, -17.62)], Down syndrome [ß: -42.33, 95%CI: (-63.28, -21.37)], ID [ß: -46.14, 95%CI: (-82.61, -9.67)] and motor disorder [ß: -77.07, 95%CI: (-103.32, -50.82)] and stable family income [ß: 16.37; 95%CI: (3.44, 29.29)]. This study also underscores that emotional functioning was significantly influenced by sex [ß: 18.27; 95%CI: (4.57, 31.97)], motor disorders [ß: -36.15, 95%CI: (-67.14, -5.16)], and social functioning was influenced by birth order 3rd/more [ß: 32.24;95%CI: (7.43, 57.04)].

CONCLUSIONS

This exploratory study highlights that multiple factors may influence various domains of HRQoL, including physical, emotional, social, and school functioning in children, providing a foundation for future studies.