ABSTRACT
With the advent of potent antiretroviral therapy and the increase in life expectancy of pediatric patients infected with HIV, the quest for the promotion of enhanced quality of life should currently be the main focus in care of children with HIV/Aids. The scope of this study was to validate the Scale of Children's Quality of Life in a group of children infected with HIV receiving clinical care in Aids Service Units in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This scale consists of 26 questions and was tested on 100 children, with ages varying between 4 and 12, and their respective parents or guardians. Statistical analysis was conducted using canonical correlation and confidence interval analysis and the c² test. The results showed that the cut-off point obtained was 49; the internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha was 0.73 for the children and 0.67 for parents or guardians. The response profile revealed marked satisfaction with aspects such as vacations and birthdays, though less satisfaction with items including hospitalization and playing alone. The conclusion was that the scale revealed satisfactory psychometric measurements, proving to be a reliable, consistent, valid and recommended instrument for measuring the quality of life of children infected with HIV.
Atualmente, com o advento da terapia antirretroviral potente e o aumento da sobrevida dos pacientes pediátricos infectados pelo HIV, a busca da promoção de uma melhor qualidade de vida deve ser o foco principal na atenção a crianças vivendo com HIV/Aids. Torna-se necessária a utilização de um instrumento adequado a este grupo visando à investigação e à avaliação da sua qualidade de vida. Este estudo objetivou realizar validação da Escala de Qualidade de Vida da Criança em crianças infectadas pelo HIV atendidas em Serviços de Sida/Aids do Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Esta escala é composta de 26 perguntas e sua aplicação ocorreu em 100 crianças entre quatro e 12 anos e seus responsáveis. A análise estatística realizada utilizou correlações canônicas, intervalo de confiança e teste c². O ponto de corte obtido foi 49; a consistência interna expressa por um alfa de Cronbach da ordem de 0,73 para as crianças e 0,67 para os responsáveis. O perfil de resposta demonstrou satisfação elevada para itens como férias e aniversário, e os de menor satisfação foram internação e brincar sozinho. Conclui-se que a escala apresentou medidas psicométricas satisfatórias, tornando-se um instrumento confiável, consistente, válido e recomendável de mensuração da qualidade de vida de crianças infectadas pelo HIV.
Subject(s)
Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , HIV Infections , Quality of Life , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the dietary pattern, lifestyle factors, and psychosocial concerns in Thai obese adolescents. Methods: Students’ school health records under the Siriraj School Health Network was reviewed during the academic year of 2005. Those with body mass indices (BMI) ³25 kg/m2 were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire divided into three parts; 1) health attitudes and psychosocial concerns; 2) dieting lifestyle; 3) physical activity lifestyle. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity among 718 from 5,071 students from Siriraj School Health Network was different between genders (7.7% and 2.5 % in male vs. 2.9% and 1% in female). Of those, 403 voluntarily answered the self-administered questionnaires. The majority of students (87.9%) were not satisfied with their actual weight, and tried to lose weight (94.2%). Concerning their lifestyles, 79.4% and 49.6% had taken high calorie food mostly fast food and dined buffet-style at least once a week respectively, while half disliked fruits and vegetables, and 15.4% skipped breakfast. Also, the majority of students exercised less than the standard recommendation of at least three days a week, with more than two thirds, excusing not having enough time to practice while 48% spending at least three hours a day watching television and playing computer. Importantly, more than half of them had weight- related psychosocial problems presenting as poor self image, low self esteem and self confidence. Conclusion: Unhealthy lifestyles, poor health attitudes and negative psychosocial concerns were reported among Thai obese adolescents. Strategies for successful obesity prevention are discussed in this article.