H L Wee1, H X Chua, S C Li. 1. Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 117543, Republic of Singapore. phalisc@nus.edu.sg
Abstract
AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the extent to which HRQoL instruments developed based on the Western notion of health is applicable to Asian children and adolescents by assessing their conceptualization of QoL. A secondary objective is to evaluate the necessity of developing age- or gender-specific HRQoL instruments. METHODS: We explored the meaning of general and health-related QoL through focus group discussions in Singapore, a multi-ethnic Asian society. Two investigators independently analysed the data. They extracted major and sub-themes related to both general and health-related QoL. The agreement between the analyses was compared and disagreement was resolved through discussion. RESULTS: Thirty-two subjects (children: 50.0%, female: 50.0%) participated. There were few disagreements. Meanings of general and health-related QoL could be grouped under three broad themes: (1) physical, (2) psychological and (3) social health, consistent with the current definition of HRQoL. We found that Singaporean and Western children/adolescents share a remarkably similar notion of general and health-related QoL. Compared to adolescents, children were more likely to report positive emotions, be less mindful of others' opinions and had less varied social activities. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that currently available instruments are potentially useful for Singaporean children/adolescents. We also found that age-specific HRQoL instruments are necessary.
AIMS: We aimed to evaluate the extent to which HRQoL instruments developed based on the Western notion of health is applicable to Asian children and adolescents by assessing their conceptualization of QoL. A secondary objective is to evaluate the necessity of developing age- or gender-specific HRQoL instruments. METHODS: We explored the meaning of general and health-related QoL through focus group discussions in Singapore, a multi-ethnic Asian society. Two investigators independently analysed the data. They extracted major and sub-themes related to both general and health-related QoL. The agreement between the analyses was compared and disagreement was resolved through discussion. RESULTS: Thirty-two subjects (children: 50.0%, female: 50.0%) participated. There were few disagreements. Meanings of general and health-related QoL could be grouped under three broad themes: (1) physical, (2) psychological and (3) social health, consistent with the current definition of HRQoL. We found that Singaporean and Western children/adolescents share a remarkably similar notion of general and health-related QoL. Compared to adolescents, children were more likely to report positive emotions, be less mindful of others' opinions and had less varied social activities. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that currently available instruments are potentially useful for Singaporean children/adolescents. We also found that age-specific HRQoL instruments are necessary.
Authors: Anne W Riley; Christopher B Forrest; George W Rebok; Barbara Starfield; Bert F Green; Judith A Robertson; Phyllis Friello Journal: Med Care Date: 2004-03 Impact factor: 2.983
Authors: B Starfield; A W Riley; B F Green; M E Ensminger; S A Ryan; K Kelleher; S Kim-Harris; D Johnston; K Vogel Journal: Med Care Date: 1995-05 Impact factor: 2.983
Authors: N L Young; C S Bradley; V Blanchette; C D Wakefield; D Barnard; J K M Wu; P J McCusker Journal: Haemophilia Date: 2004-03 Impact factor: 4.287
Authors: Julian Thumboo; Mandy Y L Ow; Elenore Judy B Uy; Xiaohui Xin; Zi Ying Clarice Chan; Sharon C Sung; Dianne Carrol Bautista; Yin Bun Cheung Journal: PLoS One Date: 2018-06-28 Impact factor: 3.240