title: ICF-based functional components and contextual factors as correlates of perceived quality of life for youth with chronic conditions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)-based functional components and contextual factors associated with perceived quality of life (QOL) for youth with chronic conditions from the perspective of youth and parents.
  
  
  METHODS
  Baseline data were obtained from a longitudinal study examining predictors of changes in perceived QOL for youth with chronic conditions. 439 youth aged 11-17 (and one of their parents) completed a questionnaire. Standardized tools were used to measure youth functioning, contextual factors and perceived QOL. Multivariate linear regression analyses, controlling for socio-demographic and health information, were conducted to explore correlations among youth functioning/contextual factors and youth and parent perceptions of youth QOL.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant (p ≤ 0.05) negative correlates with both youth and parent perceptions of youth QOL included pain/other physical symptoms and emotional symptoms. Significant factors positively correlated with youth and parent perceptions of youth QOL included school productivity and spirituality. Other significant positive correlates of youth perspectives were family social support and school belongingness/safety. Family functioning was positively correlated, and youth social anxiety and environmental barriers were negatively correlated, with parent perceptions of youth QOL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides preliminary evidence of factors upon which services aimed at improving perceived QOL of youth with chronic conditions could be based.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study supports the utility of clinicians assessing the QOL of youth with chronic conditions in terms of youths' and their families' perspectives. This is the first study to identify key factors that impact perceived QOL at one point in time across a group of youth with chronic conditions, offering clinicians a main starting-point for considering youths' strengths and needs and the supportiveness of the environment. Findings suggest youth and families would benefit from the availability of services that encompass the full scope of the ICF.
authors.affiliation: Research Program, Thames Valley Children's Centre , London, Ontario , Canada .
authors.forename: Janette
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McDougall
authors.forename: Virginia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: DeWit
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D064702:International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D011788:Quality of Life; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Chronic conditions; ICF; perspectives; quality of life; youth