The effects of camp on health-related quality of life in children with chronic illnesses: a review of the literature.
Chronic illness in children may negatively affect aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQL). Over many years, camps have been organized to address the physical and psychosocial needs of children with various chronic illnesses, while providing a "normal" as possible camp experience. The aim of this study was to critically review all research examining the effect of camps on HRQL in children with chronic illnesses. The literature review yielded no randomized, controlled clinical trials; 8 pretest-posttest study designs with repeated measures; 9 pre-post studies; and 1 survey design. A total of 1270 children, ranging in age from 6 to 25 years, participated in the studies.
Epstein
Iris
I
Faculty of nursing at the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. iris.epstein@utoronto.ca
Stinson
Jennifer
J
Stevens
Bonnie
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002165:Camping / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015399:Nursing Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D013315:Stress, Psychological