Predictors of quality of life: a quantitative investigation of the stress-coping model in children with asthma.
BACKGROUND
Aim of this study is to further explore predictors of health related quality of life in children with asthma using factors derived from to the extended stress-coping model. While the stress-coping model has often been used as a frame of reference in studying health related quality of life in chronic illness, few have actually tested the model in children with asthma.


METHODS
In this survey study data were obtained by means of self-report questionnaires from seventy-eight children with asthma and their parents. Based on data derived from these questionnaires the constructs of the extended stress-coping model were assessed, using regression analysis and path analysis.


RESULTS
The results of both regression analysis and path analysis reveal tentative support for the proposed relationships between predictors and health related quality of life in the stress-coping model. Moreover, as indicated in the stress-coping model, HRQoL is only directly predicted by coping. Both coping strategies 'emotional reaction' (significantly) and 'avoidance' are directly related to HRQoL.


CONCLUSIONS
In children with asthma, the extended stress-coping model appears to be a useful theoretical framework for understanding the impact of the illness on their quality of life. Consequently, the factors suggested by this model should be taken into account when designing optimal psychosocial-care interventions.
Peeters
Yvette
Y
Medical Decision Making, University Medical Centre Leiden, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands. y.peeters@lumc.nl
Boersma
Sandra N
SN
Koopman
Hendrik M
HM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001249:Asthma / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012650:Self Disclosure; D018434:Sickness Impact Profile; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires