Evaluation of Health-related Quality of Life in Paediatric Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measurement is used for assessing the impact of diseases and medical treatments on physical, psychological and social aspects of an individual's health and life. The Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) is a widely used instrument to measure paediatric HRQOL in children. The aim of this study is to investigate the HRQOL in paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and determine the precautions for improving the quality of their life. METHODS: Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 4.0 was administered to 75 paediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, and 50 healthy age- and gender-matched children. RESULTS: Health-related quality of life scores were significantly lower in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia than in healthy controls in this study. CONCLUSIONS: It is thought that determination of the psychosocial, as well as the physical impacts of the disease on the child, will positively influence the treatment given by improving the quality of life of both the child and the family.