The health-related quality of life of children, adolescents, and young adults with neurofibromatosis type 1 and their families: Analysis of narratives.

PURPOSE: Provide an in-depth description of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in youth diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and their families.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

Data were drawn from qualitative interviews conducted for a larger study aimed at developing the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) NF1 module.

RESULTS

Youth with NF1 and their families experience a wide range of concerns related to HRQoL due to the varied symptom expression and uncertain trajectory of the disorder.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Pediatric nurses should routinely assess for HRQoL in this population and develop strategies tailored to those concerns that require intervention.