Quality-of-life and psychosocial outcome following childhood arterial ischaemic stroke.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigates psychosocial outcome and quality-of-life in children who have experienced arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS), using a multidimensional and multi-perspective approach. It also examines the predictors of quality-of-life following childhood AIS.


METHODS
Forty-nine children between 6-18 years of age were recruited from a specialist childhood stroke clinic. Children, their parents and their teachers rated the child's quality-of-life. Questionnaires rating the child's self-esteem, behaviour and emotions were administered. Each child also underwent a neuropsychological assessment.


RESULTS
The findings show that child-, parent- and teacher-rated health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) is significantly lower than comparative norms following childhood AIS, across all domains (physical, emotional, social, school and cognitive functioning). Predictors of HRQoL include neurological severity, executive function, self-esteem and family functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
Improved screening, services and interventions are necessary to monitor longer-term outcome and provide support for children who have experienced AIS and their families.
Research Department of Clinical, Health and Educational Psychology, University College London, London, UK. fiokeeffe@gmail.com
Fiadhnait
F
O'Keeffe
Vijeya
V
Ganesan
John
J
King
Tara
T
Murphy
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D017668:Age of Onset; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications*; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D056344:Executive Function; D005178:Faculty; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011788:Quality of Life; D012649:Self Concept; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires