A comparative study of Quality of Life and factors affecting it in children diagnosed with Attention – deficit/ hyperactivity disorder versus Bronchial asthma

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhooddisorder which impairs multiple domains of life. The aim is to study and compare the impact of ADHD andAsthma on Quality of Life (QoL) as measured by child and parent ratings and explore the relationshipbetween QoL and socio – demographic factors, illness variables, severity of symptoms and parenting styles.Methods: Study conducted was of cross sectional design at the outpatient services of a tertiary care hospital.60 children of 8 - 18 years, on treatment (and their parent) were recruited - 30 with ADHD and 30 withAsthma. PedsQL version 4.0 child and parent proxy report was used for QoL, ADHD – RS (ADHD RatingScale) and GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) guidelines for severity and Parenting PracticesQuestionnaire for parenting stylesResults: Parent and child ratings of QoL in both groups were similar. QoL of Asthma group was worse inPhysical domain, while psychosocial domains and overall QoL were worse in ADHD group. Increasedduration and severity of illness showed reduction in QoL, while treatment showed better QoL in ADHDgroup only. Parenting style had significant impact on QoL in the ADHD group alone.Conclusion: ADHD is a childhood disorder with disability comparable to a physical illness like Asthma.QoL of the child can be significantly improved by treatment and focus on parenting styles.