ABSTRACT
The objectives of this multisite study were to: (i) examine differences by gender and race on generic and weight- specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adolescents with extreme obesity (BMI > or = 40 kg/m(2)) and (ii) explore HRQOL differences based on treatment pursued (behavioral vs. bariatric surgery). Study participants included 145 obese adolescents (mean age = 15.3 years; 68% female; 46% black; mean BMI = 50.6) referred to pediatric weight management programs. Participants completed generic (PedsQL) and weight-specific (Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Kids (IWQOL-Kids)) HRQOL measures. Generic and weight-specific measures indicated global (e.g., all domains) HRQOL impairment and significant differences by race. Physical, emotional, and social scores of the PedsQL (Ps < 0.01) and the physical comfort and body esteem scores of the IWQOL-Kids (Ps < 0.001) were significantly higher for black compared to white adolescents with extreme obesity. Extremely obese adolescents pursuing bariatric surgery reported similar HRQOL to adolescents pursuing behavioral treatment (n = 30 matched pairs). HRQOL did not differ for extremely obese adolescents based on type of treatment sought, but race/ethnicity should be considered when characterizing these youth. Although racial differences in adolescent body image/esteem have been reported, it is unknown why black adolescents with extreme obesity would report less impact of weight on their physical functioning. Overall, these data suggest that HRQOL is not homogenous in adolescents with extreme obesity.
Subject(s)
Body Weight , Cost of Illness , Obesity/physiopathology , Obesity/psychology , Quality of Life , Adolescent , Black or African American , Bariatric Surgery , Behavior Therapy , Body Image , Emotions , Female , Humans , Male , Obesity/ethnology , Obesity/therapy , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Self Concept , Severity of Illness Index , Sex Factors , Social Behavior , Surveys and Questionnaires , United States , White PeopleABSTRACT
This study examined the relationship between metabolic control and enuresis in youths with type 1 diabetes. Participants were 203 youths with type 1 diabetes at an outpatient pediatric diabetes clinic. Outcome measures included HbA(lc), nocturia, blood glucose, polydipsia, frequency of daytime urination, and diabetic ketoacidosis. The mean fasting blood glucose (FBG) level of children with enuresis (FBG = 192 mg/dl) was significantly higher than that of children without enuresis (FBG = 160 mg/dl, p = .03). Differences in HbA(lc) levels between children with enuresis and those without enuresis approached significance (9.2% vs. 8.6%, p = .07). Findings indicate that metabolic control indices (FBG, HbA(1c), polyuria, and polydipsia) are related to nocturnal enuresis in youths with type 1 diabetes. Further studies should determine the mechanism by which this relationship occurs to initiate appropriate interventions.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/complications , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/metabolism , Nocturnal Enuresis/etiology , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Glycated Hemoglobin/analysis , Humans , Male , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The development of a new weight-related measure to assess quality of life in adolescents [Impact of Weight on Quality of Life (IWQOL)-Kids] is described. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Using a literature search, clinical experience, and consultation with pediatric clinicians, 73 items were developed, pilot tested, and administered to 642 participants, 11 to 19 years old, recruited from weight loss programs/studies and community samples (mean z-BMI, 1.5; range, -1.2 to 3.4; mean age, 14.0; 60% female; 56% white). Participants completed the 73 items and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and were weighed and measured. RESULTS: Four factors (27 items) were identified (physical comfort, body esteem, social life, and family relations), accounting for 71% of the variance. The IWQOL-Kids demonstrated excellent psychometric properties. Internal consistency coefficients ranged from 0.88 to 0.95 for scales and equaled 0.96 for total score. Convergent validity was demonstrated with strong correlations between IWQOL-Kids total score and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (r = 0.76, p < 0.0001). Significant differences were found across BMI groups and between clinical and community samples, supporting the sensitivity of this measure. Participants in a weight loss camp demonstrated improved IWQOL-Kids scores, suggesting responsiveness of the IWQOL-Kids to weight loss/social support intervention. DISCUSSION: The present study provides preliminary evidence regarding the psychometric properties of the IWQOL-Kids, a weight-related quality of life measure for adolescents. Given the rise of obesity in youth, the development of a reliable and valid weight-related measure of quality of life is timely.
