Authors: Rose, G.¹; Gilbert, T. E.¹; Thame, M.²; Bailey, K.²

Source: Annals of Tropical Paediatrics: International Child Health, Volume 29, Number 3, September 2009 , pp. 203-208(6)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

Abstract:

Background: With the increasing incidence of paediatric asthma, there has been a corresponding increase in the physical, emotional and financial burden. This has led to a greater interest in determining the impact of asthma and its treatment on many aspects of patient functioning and wellbeing.

Aim: To assess the usefulness of the Asthma Clinic established in Jamaica in 1997 by ascertaining whether there has been improvement in quality of life of children and care-givers who attend the clinic.

Methods: The quality of life of patients and their parents/care-givers before attending the Asthma Clinic of Bustamante Hospital for Children in Kingston, Jamaica was compared with that of 1 year afterwards. Parents or guardians were interviewed using the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire which consists of three domains [symptoms (ten questions), emotional (eight questions) and activity (five questions)] and the Pediatric Asthma Caregiver's Quality of life Questionnaire which consist of two domains [emotional (nine questions) and activity (four questions)].

Results: Quality of life improved in patients and their parents/care-givers in all domains.

Conclusion: Attendance at an asthma clinic in Jamaica improved the quality of life of asthmatic children and their parents/care-givers.

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/027249309X12467994693897

Affiliations: 1: The Bustamante Hospital for Children, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies 2: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Child Health, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies

Publication date: 2009-09-01

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• In 2012 Annals of Tropical Paediatrics changed its name to Paediatrics and International Child Health to reflect changes and developments in the subject area. View the issues of Paediatrics and International Child Health available online.
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