Chronic health problems and health-related quality of life in Chinese children and adolescents: a population-based study in Hong Kong

BMJ Open. 2013 Jan 3;3(1):e001183. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001183.

Abstract

Objective: We examined the association of different chronic physical and mental conditions, individually or comorbidly on health-related quality of life (QoL) in Chinese children aged ≤14 years in Hong Kong.

Design: Population-based cross-sectional survey.

Participants: Approximately 7500 Chinese children aged <14 years in Hong Kong.

Interventions: Nil.

Primary and secondary outcome measures: Various health concepts of validated Chinese version of Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ), a health-related QoL questionnaire in children.

Result: There was significant association of physical and mental health conditions, either individually or comorbidly, on the various concepts of CHQ. Children with mental health problems were apparently more affected than those with physical health problems. Chronic renal disease and congenital malformation were the physical health conditions associated with the lowest scores in CHQ concepts in children aged 5-10 years and aged 10-14 years, respectively. Behavioural problem was the mental health condition associated with the lowest score in CHQ concepts in both age groups.

Conclusions: Our study shows important information concerning the prevalence of different health conditions and its association, either individually or comorbidly on the QoL in a representative sample of Chinese children in HK.