Family impact greatest: predictors of quality of life and psychological adjustment in pediatric burn survivors.
BACKGROUND
Although there is some knowledge of psychological adjustment, almost nothing is known about quality of life in pediatric burn survivors.


METHODS
Parents of 105 burn survivors (age, 5-17 years; total body surface area burned, 10-64%) were assessed by standardized questionnaires 1 to 13 years postburn. Predictive values of clinical variables and family environment were assessed.


RESULTS
Most dimensions of quality of life and psychological adjustment were normal. Compared with healthy norms, burn survivors only showed less positive emotions. Good family relationships and younger age at burn injury were the only significant predictors of good quality of life. Psychological adjustment was predicted by family relationships.


CONCLUSIONS
If given optimal care, most pediatric burn survivors demonstrate excellent quality of life. Families with compromised relationships and patients with higher age at burn injury should be identified early, monitored closely, and offered psychosocial support as soon as dysfunctional family dynamics are detected.
Landolt
Markus A
MA
Pediatric Burn Center, Department of Surgery, University of Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. mlandolt@kispi.unizh.ch
Grubenmann
Sandra
S
Meuli
Martin
M
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D002056:Burns / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011336:Probability; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012649:Self Concept; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors