• Login
    View Item 
    •   Repository Home
    • Staff Publications
    • School of Health Sciences & School of Nursing
    • View Item
    •   Repository Home
    • Staff Publications
    • School of Health Sciences & School of Nursing
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    Evaluation of the health-related quality of life of children in Schistosoma haematobium-endemic communities in Kenya: a cross-sectional study

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    10.1.1.805.8704.pdf (464.0Kb)
    Date
    2013
    Author
    Terer, Carolyn C
    Bustinduy, Amaya L
    Magtanong, Ruth V
    Mungai, Peter L
    Muchiri, Eric M
    Kitron, Uriel
    King, Charles H
    Mutuku, Francis M
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    Abstract
    Schistosomiasis remains a global public health challenge, with 93% of the, 237 million infections occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Though rarely fatal, its recurring nature makes it a lifetime disorder with significant chronic health burdens. Much of its negative health impact is due to non-specific conditions such as anemia, undernutrition, pain, exercise intolerance, poor school performance, and decreased work capacity. This makes it difficult to estimate the disease burden specific to schistosomiasis using the standard DALY metric.In our study, we used Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), a modular instrument available for ages 2–18 years, to assess health-related quality of life (HrQoL) among children living in a Schistosoma haematobium -endemic area in coastal Kenya. The PedsQL questionnaires were administered by interview to children aged 5–18 years (and their parents) in five villages spread across three districts. HrQoL (total score) was significantly lower in villages with high prevalence of S. haematobium (24.0%, p,0.001) and among the lower socioeconomic quartiles (22.0%,p,0.05). A greater effect was seen in the psychosocial scales as compared to the physical function scale. In moderate prevalence villages, detection of any parasite eggs in the urine was associated with a significant 2.1% (p,0.05) reduction in total score. The PedsQL reliabilities were generally high (Cronbach alphas $ 0.70), floor effects were acceptable, and identification of children from low socioeconomic standing was valid.We conclude that exposure to urogenital schistosomiasis is associated with a 2–4% reduction in HrQoL. Further research is warranted to determine the reproducibility and responsiveness properties of QoL testing in relation to schistosomiasis. We anticipate that a case definition based on more sensitive parasitological diagnosis among younger children will better define the immediate and long-term HrQoL impact of Schistosoma infection.
    URI
    http://repository.must.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1392
    Collections
    • School of Health Sciences & School of Nursing [191]

    MUST Repository copyright © 2002-2016  MUST Repository
    Contact Us | Send Feedback
    Theme by 
    MUST Repository
     

     

    Browse

    All of the RepositoryCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

    My Account

    LoginRegister

    MUST Repository copyright © 2002-2016  MUST Repository
    Contact Us | Send Feedback
    Theme by 
    MUST Repository