Family Health-related Quality of Life in Pediatric Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship of disease characteristics and child anxiety symptoms to family health-related quality of life (FHRQoL) in youth with cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS).

METHODS

Forty-two parents of youth ages 8 to 18 years diagnosed with CVS completed the Family Impact Module of the PedsQL, a measure of the impact of the child's illness on the family. We evaluated the relationship of disease characteristics and child and parent proxy reports of anxiety symptoms on the Screen for Childhood Anxiety and Related Emotional Disorders to FHRQoL.

RESULTS

Parent report of child anxiety symptoms and missed school days (mean = 11.93, standard deviation = 14.62) were the strongest predictors of FHRQoL (r = 0.33, df = 1.39, F = 8.51, P = 0.006). Other disease characteristics, including frequency, duration, chronicity of CVS episodes, and delay in initial CVS diagnosis were not significantly associated with the FHRQoL total score. Child anxiety symptoms by either parent and/or child report were associated with subscales of the FHRQoL, including family physical functioning, family communication, and family daily activities.

CONCLUSIONS

HRQoL for the families assessed in this study was associated with anxiety symptoms to a greater extent than disease characteristics, indexing the importance of a biopsychosocial approach to CVS management. Screening for anxiety symptoms and support for school absences due to illness are indicated to help lessen the impact of CVS on the family as a whole.