English publication
Theunissen,
N.C.M., Veen, S., Fekkes, M., Koopman, H.M., Zwinderman, A.H., Brugman,
E., & Wit, J.M. (2001). Quality of life in preschool children
born preterm. Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 43,
460-465.
Abstract
Objective: The relationship of a preterm birth with Health Related Quality
of Life (HRQoL) was examined for children aged 1-4. Sample: Three gestational
age groups were selected, < 32 weeks (n=65) , 32-37 weeks (n=41), >37
weeks (n=54), and a reference group from the open population (n=50). Design:
Main instrument was the TAPQOL questionnaire, which was completed by the
parents. Other outcome measures obtained from parents or neonatologists
were investigated in addition. Main results: Children born <32 weeks
had significantly lower HRQoL than the reference group in the scales for
lungs, stomach, eating disorders, motor functioning, communication and
anxiety. Parental feelings towards the child were related to the child’s
HRQoL. We found differences between the neonatologist and the parent in
perception of the child’s situation, which can have clinical consequences.
Conclusion: Neonatal intensive care after birth has HRQoL implications
for all children, particularly in children born <32 weeks of gestation.
Keywords
health related quality of life;
health status; preterm birth; pre-school children; infants; (very)-low-birth-weight
infants;
