Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) Outcomes Following Injury in Childhood and Adolescence Using EuroQol (EQ-5D) Responses with Pooled Longitudinal Data

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021 · DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910156 · Published: September 27, 2021

Pediatrics Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study looked at how injuries affect the quality of life for children and teenagers over time. It used data from five different studies and focused on specific areas of health like mobility, self-care, and mood. The study found that injuries can have long-lasting effects, and recovery can be different depending on factors like age, gender, and the type of injury. Some children don't fully recover their health-related quality of life even after two years. The findings suggest that personalized support is needed to help children and teenagers recover from injuries, taking into account their individual needs and the specific challenges they face.

Study Duration

24 Months

Participants

2334 pediatric injury survivors (5–17 years)

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Mean EQ-5D post-injury did not return to baseline level (0.95) by 24 months (0.88) and was lower for females over time (−0.04, 95%CI −0.05, −0.02).
2
HRQoL outcomes over time for children and adolescents post-injury differed across key demographic and injury related attributes.
3
HRQoL did not reach levels consistent with full health by 24 months with recovery plateauing from 6 to 24 months.

Research Summary

This study pooled longitudinal data from ﬁve cohort studies of pediatric injury survivors (5–17 years) at baseline, 1-, 4-, 6-, 12-, and 24- months (n = 2334). HRQoL outcomes over time for children and adolescents post-injury differed across key demographic and injury related attributes. HRQoL did not reach levels consistent with full health by 24 months with recovery plateauing from 6 to 24 months.

Practical Implications

Tailored Interventions

The study highlights the need for tailored interventions to address the varying post-injury recovery trajectories in children and adolescents.

Prioritization of Prevention Efforts

The findings can guide the prioritization of prevention efforts to reduce the incidence of injuries in this population.

Informed Health and Social Service Planning

The study can inform health and social service planning to reduce post-injury HRQoL deficits experienced by children and adolescents.

Study Limitations

1
Differing follow-up points and unbalanced sample sizes across these time points
2
Differing inclusion criteria, which resulted in differing proportions of cases with certain injuries (e.g., TBI)
3
Multiple injuries across the datasets

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