Level of agreement between adolescents' self-assessment and parent proxy report of health-related quality of life in adolescents with sickle cell disease

Agreement between youth and caregiver report of pain and functioning in pediatric sickle cell disease: PedsQL sickle cell disease module

ABSTRACT

Pain is a primary symptom of sickle cell disease (SCD) and is often severe and chronic. To treat SCD-related pain, proper assessment of SCD pain among youth, including the degree of concordance or agreement between youth and caregiver reports of pain, is essential but has not yet been adequately evaluated. In this study, 525 youth with SCD and their parents were evaluated as part of the Sickle Cell Clinical Research and Intervention Program (SCCRIP) to examine pain rating concordance and predictors of concordance. Youth and parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Sickle Cell Disease module (PedsQL-SCD) to measure pain, pain interference, and pain-related constructs. Disease, clinical, and demographic variables were obtained from the SCCRIP database. Intraclass correlations demonstrated moderate-to-poor consistency between youth and caregiver reports of pain and pain interference (ICCs range from 0.17 to 0.54). Analysis of covariance and regression models found that patient age, frequency of hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) visits, economic hardship, and fetal hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with varying pain-rating agreement levels among parent proxy and child self-report pain. Concordance of pain assessments among youth with SCD and their caregivers using the PedsQL-SCD Module was moderate at best, corroborating prior research. Youth factors predicting discordance among pain-related factors included increased ED visits, older age, and female sex. Collectively, these results bolster the use of integrated pain assessments to reduce parent-child discrepancies, thereby improving the adequacy of SCD-related pain assessment and treatment.

Social adjustment in children diagnosed with sickle cell disease: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk for physical, psychological, and social adjustment challenges. This study sought to investigate social adjustment and related factors in children living with SCD.

METHODS

Data from 32 children (50% male, mean age = 10.32 years, SD = 3.27) were retrospectively collected from a neuropsychology clinic at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. Social adjustment was measured using the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-3) parent-proxy, withdrawal subscale, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Generic Module Social Functioning self- and parent-proxy subscales. Other measures captured executive functioning (i.e., Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2) Parent Form) and non-disease-related associations with social adjustment, including number of years in Canada and family functioning (i.e., PedsQL Family Impact Module).

RESULTS

Sixteen percent of patients reported elevated social adjustment difficulties. Multiple linear regression found better family functioning [B = .48, t = 2.65, p = .016], and higher executive functioning [B = -.43, t = -2.39, p = .028] were related to higher scores on the PedsQL parent-proxy ratings of social adjustment [F(4,18) = 5.88, p = .003]. Male sex [B = .54, t = 3.08, p = .005], and having lived more years in Canada [B = .55, t = 2.81, p = .009], were related to higher PedsQL self-reported social adjustment [F(4,23) = 3.75, p = .017]. The model examining the BASC-3 withdrawal subscale was not statistically significant [F(4,16) = 1.63, p = .22].

IMPLICATIONS

Social adjustment in children diagnosed with SCD warrants future research to understand the influence of executive function, and non-disease-related factors, particularly focusing on sociocultural factors.

Exploring camouflaging by the Chinese version Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire in Taiwanese autistic and non-autistic adolescents: An initial development

LAY ABSTRACT

Camouflaging is a coping strategy used by some autistic and other neurodivergent people to fit in neurotypical social contexts. The self-reported Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire has been validated for use in research with adults in some Western societies, but not in non-Western cultural-ethnic groups. We translated Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire into traditional Chinese and examined the use of this measure in Taiwanese adolescents via both self-report and caregiver-report in 100 autistic and 105 non-autistic adolescents. Both self-reported and caregiver-reported Chinese version Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire were composed of two factors (i.e. a "compensation-masking" subscale and an "assimilation" subscale). Both adolescent self-reported and caregiver-reported Chinese version Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire total score and subscales were reliable in measurement, and they highly correlated with each other. Taiwanese autistic adolescents were more likely to camouflage than non-autistic adolescents, especially on assimilation. Female autistic adolescents showed higher assimilation than male autistic adolescents. Higher camouflaging, especially assimilation, was associated with higher stress in autistic and non-autistic adolescents alike. Both self-reported and caregiver-reported Chinese version Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire were reliable and offered meaningful information to help us understand the social coping experiences of autistic and non-autistic adolescents.

Agreement of the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 in parents and youth with physical illness living in Canada

PURPOSE

This study modelled the factor structure and tested for measurement invariance between youth and parent reports on the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0; estimated agreement between informants; and, examined moderators of youth-parent discrepancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data come from the baseline wave of the Multimorbidity in Youth across the Life-course study (n = 117). Multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis was used to test for measurement invariance and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests compared informant scores. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman limits of agreement plots were used to examine the youth-parent agreement.

RESULTS

The WHODAS 2.0 demonstrated measurement invariance [χ2 = 221.8(136), p < 0.01; RMSEA = 0.073 (0.055, 0.091); CFI = 0.962; and, SRMR = 0.078]. Youth typically reported more disability compared to parent proxies, with the exception of item Q5 (emotional). The agreement was low (ICC = 0.08-0.53). Youth sex moderated informant agreement such that more consistent agreement was seen for female youth (β = 0.54, p < .01) compared to male youth (β = 0.11, p = .29).

CONCLUSIONS

Youth and their parents interpret the construct of disability, as measured by the 12-item WHODAS 2.0, similarly. Thus, informant differences represent real differences that are not a consequence of error. Low parent-youth agreement reinforces the need for collecting multiple perspectives in the pediatric setting, especially for male youth.Implications for rehabilitationThe WHODAS 2.0 is one of the most widely used measures of disability and functioning.Measurement invariance of the WHODAS 2.0 suggests that youth and parents interpret the construct of disability similarly.Parent-youth agreement was low and youth typically report more disability compared to parent proxies.More consistent agreement with parents was found for female youth compared to male youth.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents With Chronic Illness in Jamaica: Adolescent and Parent Reports

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to assess the level of agreement between adolescents' self-assessment and parent-proxy reports on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Jamaican adolescents with chronic illness.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted, recruiting adolescents living with a chronic illness (ALCIs)-asthma, human immunodeficiency virus, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, or sickle cell disease and age/sex-matched healthy adolescents. Data were collected on HRQOL from adolescents and parents using the Pediatric Quality of Life Scale. Parent-adolescent agreement was determined at group level (Wilcoxon signed-rank test) and individual level (intraclass correlation coefficient).

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-six (226) parent/adolescent pairs participated: 130 ALCIs and 96 healthy peers; mean age 14.9 ± 2.8 years; 58% females. Adolescents with and without chronic illness reported similar HRQOL; parent-proxies reported better HRQOL for healthy adolescents compared to ALCIs. Intraclass correlation demonstrated higher levels of parent-adolescent correlation for ALCIs than healthy adolescents (ALCIs: 0.11-0.34; healthy adolescents: 0.01-0.10). At group level, analyses demonstrated better parent-proxy rating of QOL in all of the scores with the exception of the general health score. Parent-proxies overestimated QOL for asthma and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus but not for sickle cell disease and human immunodeficiency virus. Linear regression modeling revealed that female sex and living with chronic illness were significant predictors of agreement.

DISCUSSION

Parent-proxies overestimated adolescents' QOL compared to adolescents' report regardless of whether the adolescent was living with a chronic illness or not. As such, health care providers should elicit feedback from the adolescent wherever possible and proxy reports should be used as complementary information rather than primary source.

Sickle-Cell Disease and Stroke: Quality of Life of Patients in a Chronic Transfusion Regimen from the Caregivers' Perspective

Strokes affect up to 10% of children with sickle-cell disease (SCD). The most commonly used strategy to prevent a first-time stroke or its recurrence is to perform periodic red blood cell transfusions. This article aims to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of children and adolescents with SCD undergoing a chronic transfusion regimen (CTR) for stroke prophylaxis, according to their caregivers' perception. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a sociodemographic interview with an application of a validated instrument (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory) involving 16 caregivers of patients with SCD aged <18 years undergoing CTR in a reference center. The data were processed using STATA version 13.0. The caregivers were predominantly the mothers of the minors that were part of the study cohort (87.5%), an income of <2 minimum wages (81.2% of cases) and >8 years of schooling (56.2%). The patients had a mean age of 10.4 years, 68.8% were male, 75% were mixed-race and came from small towns and rural areas (68.8%). The overall mean QoL was 45.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 42.5-49.2). Female patients and those aged <12 years had lower levels of overall QoL. The emotional dimension of the children was the least compromised as per the caregivers' perception. The mean QoL of children with SCD on a CTR is lower than the estimated global mean QoL reported in the literature. It is possible that the occurrence of a stroke enhances the caregivers' negative perceptions about the QoL of patients with SCD.

Health-related quality of life in hemoglobinopathies: A systematic review from a global perspective

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia are inherited blood disorders, which can lead to life-threatening events and chronic organ damage. Recent advances in treatments have increased life expectancy, and hemoglobinopathies have become chronic illnesses with social and emotional impairments. Thus, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment has a fundamental role in disease management and treatment, and generic and disease-specific questionnaires are reliable and validated measures to estimate disease burden. The heterogeneous distribution of treatment opportunities worldwide influences physical, social, and emotional disease perception.

OBJECTIVES

To review publications concerning HRQOL for SCD and thalassemia in different areas of the world in order to gather a global perspective of questionnaires used and outcomes evaluated.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Medline databases were searched on 29 September 2021. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) studies of HRQOL assessment in SCD and thalassemia patients by using the PROMIS, the SF-36, the SCSES, the PedsQL-SCD, the PedsQOL generic core scale, the ASCQ-Me, and the TranQoL; and (2) every article type, including non-English studies. We excluded studies that were not limited to SCD or thalassemia and studies that were not specific to hemoglobinopathies, and not consistent with the topic of HRQOL assessment. We did not include the gray literature. A total of 102 out of 124 articles from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were eligible for inclusion (66 SCD articles and 36 thalassemia articles). The quality of studies was assessed through Critical Appraisal tools for use in JBI Systematic Reviews. Data extraction was conducted using a standardized data collection form (authors, year and country of publication, study design, age and number of patients, HRQOL questionnaires, questionnaire language, and clinical outcomes).

RESULTS

The evaluation of HRQOL was conducted on all continents, but differences in the worldwide frequency of HRQOL assessment were observed. HRQOL of SCD patients was less investigated in Europe. HRQOL of thalassemia patients was less investigated in South-East Asia and Africa. Generic HRQOL questionnaires (PROMIS, SF-36, and PedsQL) were frequently adopted, while disease-specific ones (ASCQ-Me, SCSES for SCD, and TranQoL for thalassemia) were less used. Translation into local languages has been often performed.

CONCLUSION

Health-related quality of life is a complex outcome that has been increasingly incorporated in clinical research and clinical practice worldwide, although with regional differences. Disease-specific outcomes (pain for SCD and transfusion burden for thalassemia) and healthcare system characteristics, particularly in low-income countries, have an impact on HRQOL and should be considered in healthcare plans.

Sex differences in children's health status as measured by the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)™: cross-sectional findings from a large school-based sample in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

Previous research has shown that female adolescents and adults report lower health status than their male peers. Possibly, this discrepancy already develops during childhood. We collected sex-specific data with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) in a large school-based sample.

METHODS

The online version of the PedsQL was administered to healthy Dutch children aged 5-7 years (parent proxy-report), 8-12 years (parent proxy-report and child self-report), and 13-17 years (parent proxy-report and child self-report), recruited through regular primary and secondary schools. Sex differences were assessed using t-tests or Mann-Whitney U-tests. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and intraclass correlation coefficients served to compare parent proxy-reports with child self-reports. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to assess the associations of sex of the child, age, and parental educational level with PedsQL scores.

RESULTS

Eight hundred eighty-two parents and five hundred eighty one children were recruited from 15 different schools in the Netherlands. Parents of 8-to-12-year-olds reported higher scores on School Functioning for girls than for boys (mean difference [MD]: 6.56, p < 0.001). Parents of 13-to-17-year-olds reported lower scores on Physical and Emotional Functioning for girls than for boys (MDs: 2.14 and 5.79, p = 0.014 and p < 0.001, respectively). Girls aged 8-12 years reported lower scores than boys in this age group on Physical Functioning (MD: 3.09, p = 0.005). Girls aged 13-17 years reported lower scores than boys in this age group on Physical Functioning (MD: 3.67, p < 0.001), Emotional Functioning (MD: 8.11, p < 0.001), and the Total Score (MD 3.26, p = 0.004). No sex differences were found in children aged 5-7 years. Agreement between child self-reports and parent proxy-reports was poor to moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

Girls generally had lower PedsQL scores than boys, both in parent proxy-reports and in child self-reports. We recommend to apply sex-specific data when assessing health status using the PedsQL.

Risk mitigation behaviors to prevent infection in the mitochondrial disease community during the COVID19 pandemic

Background

A challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic has been widespread adherence to risk-reducing behaviors. Individuals with mitochondrial disease (MtD) are special population with an increased risk of morbidity associated with infection.

Purpose

To measure risk mitigation behaviors (RMBs) in families affected by MtD and identify factors that may influence these behaviors.

Methods

An online questionnaire was distributed in April and June 2020. Individuals with MtD or their caregivers completed the survey.

Results

We received 529 eligible responses with n = 312 completing all questions for our multivariate regression model. The most common RMBs were increased hand washing (96%), social distancing (94%), and avoiding public gatherings (93%). Higher numbers of recent healthcare visits (b = 0.62, p < 0.05) and expressed fear of the MtD patient contracting COVID-19 (b = 0.92, p < 0.05) were associated with more RMBs. Living in a rural community (b = −0.99,p < 0.05) and a history of COVID-19 testing (b = −2.14,p < 0.01) were associated with fewer RMBs.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that during the COVID-19 pandemic, families affected by MtD have near universal adherence to basic RMBs. This may be motivated by fear of the severe morbidity associated with infection in MtD. Patients with frequent healthcare visits may be sicker and therefore take more precautions. Living in a rural community may also impact these behaviors. People who practice fewer RMBs may be more likely to seek testing. Our findings may generalize to other chronic diseases.

Sex-based differences in the manifestations and complications of sickle cell disease: Report from the Sickle Cell Disease Implementation Consortium

INTRODUCTION

Sex-based clinical outcome differences in sickle cell disease (SCD) remain largely unknown despite evidence that female sex is associated with an increased lifespan. To better characterize sex-based differences in SCD, we assessed pain, treatment characteristics, laboratory measures and complications among males and females currently enrolled in the Sickle Cell Disease Implementation Consortium (SCDIC) registry.

METHODS

The SCDIC consists of eight comprehensive SCD centers and one data coordinating center that received funding from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute to improve outcomes for individuals with SCD. Eligibility criteria included: 15 to 45 years of age and a confirmed diagnosis of SCD. Self-report surveys were completed and data were also abstracted from the participants' medical records.

RESULTS

A total of 2,124 participants were included (mean age: 27.8 years; 56% female). The majority had hemoglobin SS SCD genotype. Females had worse reports of pain severity (mean (SD) T-score 51.6 (9.6) vs 49.3 (10), p<0.001), more vaso-occlusive episodes (p = 0.01) and a higher occurrence of 3 or more hospital admissions in the past year (30.9% vs. 25.5, p = 0.03). On multivariable analysis, males had higher odds of acute chest syndrome (odds ratio (OR) 1.4, p = 0.002), cardiovascular (OR 1.70, p<0.001) and musculoskeletal (OR 1.33, p = 0.0034) complications and lower odds of depression (OR 0.77, p = 0.0381). Females had higher fetal hemoglobin levels with and without hydroxyurea use (9.6% vs 8.5%, p = 0.03 and 3% vs 2.2%, p = 0.0005, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggests that sex differences in clinical outcomes do occur among individuals with SCD. Future research needs to explore the mechanisms underlying these differences.

Disease burden and quality of life of in children with sickle cell disease in Italy: time to be considered a priority

The objective of the present article is to highlight the need for attention to Quality of Life of patients with Sickle Cell Disease living in Italy. The transformation of sickle cell disease from a severe life-threatening disease of childhood into a chronic, lifelong condition due to the significant improvements in care and treatment options, imposes increasing new challenges to health care providers and patients. Patients now face physical, psychosocial and emotional challenges throughout their lives. They generally have to receive chronic treatments and regular multidisciplinary monitoring which increase social and emotional burden rendering adherence to treatment sometimes complicated. A chronic disease impacts all aspects of patients’ lives, not only the physical one, but also the social and emotional aspects as well as the educational and working life. The entire “Quality of Life” is affected and recent evidence demonstrates the importance quality of life has for patients with chronic illness. The results of this review focus on emerging data regarding quality of life across the lifespan of patients with Sickle Cell Disease, and highlight the need for more action in this field in Italy, where recent immigration and improved care determine an increasing population of children with sickle cell disease being taken into long term care.

Pediatric Pain Assessment in the Intensive Care Unit: An Evidence-Based Algorithm

BACKGROUND

Conducting an adequate pain assessment in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is multifactorial and complex due to the diversity of the population. It is critical that validated pain assessment methods are used appropriately and consistently to aid in evaluation of pain and pain management interventions.

PURPOSE

The aim of this evidence-based practice project was to improve pain assessment practices in the PICU through a decision-support algorithm.

DESIGN & METHODS

The Iowa Model-Revised was used to guide the development and implementation of an evidence-based decision algorithm. Pre- and postdata were collected via surveys (nursing knowledge and confidence) and documentation audits (nursing pain assessments). Various implementation strategies were used to facilitate the integration and sustainability of the algorithm in practice.

RESULTS

The majority of survey items showed an increase in nursing knowledge and confidence. Audits of pain assessment documentation displayed an increase in appropriate pain assessment documentation related to a child's communicative ability. However, there is a need for reinfusion related to the documentation of sedation assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of an algorithm supported the ability of PICU nurses to critically consider and choose the pain assessment method most appropriate for the patient's condition. The algorithm promotes nursing clinical judgement, prioritizes pain management, and includes patients receiving sedation. The algorithm supports a comprehensive pain assessment in a difficult pediatric patient population. Future research is needed to strengthen and standardize the usage of terms "assume pain present" and "assume pain managed," and to also improve the overall feasibility and effectiveness of the algorithm.

What is the future of patient-reported outcomes in sickle-cell disease?

INTRODUCTION

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a complex, chronic disease caused by abnormal polymerization of hemoglobin, which leads to severe pain episodes, fatigue, and end-organ damage. Patient reported outcomes (PROs) have emerged as a critical tool for measuring SCD disease severity and response to treatment.

AREAS COVERED

Authors review the key issues involved when deciding to use a PRO in a clinical trial. We describe the most highly recommended generic and disease-specific PRO tools in SCD and discuss the challenges of incorporating them in clinical practice.

EXPERT OPINION

PRO measures are essential to incorporate into SCD clinical trials either as primary or secondary outcomes. The use of PRO measures in SCD facilitates a patient-centered approach, which is likely to lead to improved outcomes. Significant challenges remain in adapting PRO tools to routine clinical use and in developing countries.

Quality of life assessments in a cohort of Mozambican children with sickle cell disease

Introduction

sickle cell disease (SCD) has significant pediatric morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, where access to therapies such as hydroxyurea and opioids is often limited. Poor disease control and Pain management adversely affects the well-being and mental health of affected children. Questionnaires have been utilized in other regions to report the quality of life (QOL) in children with SCD, but assessments from Africa are lacking.

Methods

children age 2-14 years with SCD presenting for routine outpatient consultations at Hospital Central de Maputo from June-August 2017 were offered participation. After informed consent, the Pediatric QOL Inventory (PedsQL) SCD Module was administered to all caregivers and children > 5 years. Responses were scored from 0-100, with higher scores representing better QOL.

Results

a total of 14 children were included, with six (43%), four (29%), two (14%), and two (14%) from the age groups of 2-4, 5-7, 8-12, and 13-14 years, respectively. Mean overall patient QOL was 65.3 and 56.0 in child and caregiver respondents. In patients > 5 years, the difference in mean overall QOL for those on/not on hydroxyurea was 0.6 (66.5-64.9) in child respondents and 15.8 (68.4-52.6) in caregiver respondents. Domains related to worry/emotions and communication scored lower in QOL than Pain-related domains for both patient and caregiver respondents.

Conclusion

SCD has a negative impact on QOL as reported by this cohort of Mozambican pediatric patients and caregivers, with Pain being less of a concern than emotional and interpersonal issues. A comprehensive, child-focused care approach with robust psychosocial support is needed.