Advances in measuring pediatric overall health: the PROMIS® Pediatric Global Health scale (PGH-7)

Mental health changes during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adolescents with mental disorders

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected child and adolescent mental health, but it is unclear which subgroups were affected most. We investigated to what extent severity and type of mental health problems during and after the pandemic were related to preexisting mental disorders in children in care at child and adolescent mental health services. We employed a repeated cross-sectional design involving data collection at seven time points (April 2020 to April 2023) in a total sample of 2,545 children (age 8-18 years). We grouped diagnostic classifications in four categories: Autism, ADHD, Anxious/Depressive disorders, and 'Other'. Mental health was assessed with parent-reported data on internalizing and externalizing problems and with self-reported data from the standardized PROMIS questionnaires 'Anxiety', 'Depressive symptoms', 'Sleep-related impairments', 'Anger', 'Global health', and 'Peer relations'. We tested for main effects between diagnostic categories and for different trajectories over time. We found that mental health outcomes varied substantially between diagnostic categories, with internalizing problems being largest in children with Anxious/Depressive disorders, and externalizing problems being largest in children with Autism and ADHD. However, we found no evidence for differences between diagnostic categories in trajectories in mental health outcomes during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that during the pandemic mental health outcomes worsened over time in children and adolescents in care, and that this negative effect on mental health did not differ between children with different diagnostic classifications. Regular high-quality monitoring is vital to recognize changing trajectories of youth mental health and to adapt to crisis situations.

Systematic Review: Measurement Properties of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Used to Measure Depression Symptom Severity in Adolescents With Depression

OBJECTIVE

To systematically evaluate the measurement properties of 12 patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) used to measure depression symptom severity in adolescents with depression. Depression symptom severity was chosen as the outcome of focus given its importance as an outcome to measure in adolescents with depression across clinical trials and/or care.

METHOD

MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane were searched from year of inception up to December 7, 2023. Study appraisal (ie, risk of bias), evaluation of measurement properties, and evidence synthesis followed the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) guidelines. Included studies evaluated at least 1 of 9 measurement properties as detailed in the COSMIN taxonomy within a reported sample or subgroup of youth ages 12 to 24 years, with at least 40% meeting criteria for any depressive disorder.

RESULTS

Of the 15,560 records identified, 31 studies for 7 PROMs were included in the COSMIN appraisal. Although several PROMs have the potential to accurately measure depression symptom severity in adolescents with depression, at this time none of the PROMs can be recommended for use without further evaluative work. High-quality evidence was generally lacking, largely due to few or inconsistent findings, small sample sizes, and other methodological concerns.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review of the measurement properties of 12 PROMs used to measure depression symptom severity in adolescents with depression found that none of the PROMs can be recommended for use until further evaluative work is conducted. Clinicians and researchers should proceed with caution when using these PROMs.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

This systematic review evaluated 12 patient report outcome measures (PROMs) commonly used to measure depression symptom severity in adolescents with depression. Only 7 of these PROMs had studies to evaluate; none of them had the necessary measurement properties to indicate that they could be recommended for use or that results could be trusted. The authors suggest that more evaluative work is required to ensure the validity of the measurement properties of the tools utilized to measure depression symptom severity in adolescents with depression. This work should include engagement of youth and caregivers in evaluation of the content validity (eg, the relevance, comprehensibility, and comprehensiveness) of these PROMs.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented sexual and/or gender groups in science. We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. We actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our author group. The author list of this paper includes contributors from the location and/or community where the research was conducted who participated in the data collection, design, analysis, and/or interpretation of the work.

Extended Reality Gaming for Exercise and Mindfulness Throughout Pediatric Cancer Rehabilitation: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Pediatric patients with cancer have limited options to self-manage their health while they are undergoing treatments in the hospital and after they are discharged to their homes. Extended reality (ER) using head-mounted displays has emerged as an immersive method of improving pain and mental health and promoting health-enhancing physical activity among a variety of clinical groups, but there is currently no established protocol for improving both physical and mental health in pediatric cancer rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE

This phase I, pilot, feasibility randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the potential effects of a 14-week ER program on physical activity participation and indicators of health among pediatric patients with cancer who undergo bone marrow transplantation. An ancillary aim is to evaluate the feasibility of the program through participant engagement.

METHODS

This study includes a 2-arm parallel group design with a 1-group crossover (the control group will start the intervention after a waiting period). Overall, 16 pediatric patients with cancer undergoing rehabilitation (aged ≥8 years) at a children's hospital will be randomly allocated into one of two groups: (1) an immediate start group that undergoes an ER program in the hospital until discharge and then for 8 weeks at home (total duration of approximately 14 weeks), and (2) a waitlist control group that undergoes usual care in the hospital and for 8 weeks at home, before receiving the 8-week home ER program. The program will include active video gaming with rhythmic music exercises as well as mindfulness-based practices using a high-quality app. Home-based programming will include behavioral coaching calls. Physical activity will be measured daily through step counts using a tri-axial accelerometer. Health outcomes will be measured across time and include global health, measured by the National Institutes of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Global Health Scale Short Form 7+2, and lung function, measured by a forced expiratory volume using a peak flow meter. Feasibility will be evaluated through participant engagement metrics, such as enrollment, dropout, adverse events, and attendance rates. Descriptive statistics will be obtained for all study variables. Outcomes will be modeled using mixed modeling procedures, and changes in means will be estimated with CIs.

RESULTS

The study was funded in February 2024. Recruitment procedures started on June 27, 2024. All data are anticipated to be collected by February 2026. Full trial results are anticipated to be analyzed and submitted for publication by March 2026. The study's anticipated end date is March 31, 2026.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial tests an accessible remote program for improving both physical and mental health among pediatric patients with cancer. The knowledge obtained from this study will inform the development of a larger trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06298357; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06298357.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/64879.

Psychological distress, General health and Life satisfaction among children with Thalassemia and children undergoing Haemodialysis

Objective

To compare and find out the relationship between psychological distress, general health and life satisfaction among children with thalassemia and children undergoing dialysis.

Method

The current study utilized cross sectional research design. A representative group of children with Thalassemia (n=60) and children undergoing dialysis (n=60) with ages ranging from 6-14 years were included in the sample. The sample was drawn from Children's Hospital and Sundas Foundation from February 2023 to August 2023 through a purposive sampling technique.

Results

Psychological distress significantly correlates negatively with general health (-.34**) and life satisfaction (-.44**) in Children with Thalassemia. A significant negative relationship is also observed between psychological distress and general health (-.43**) and life satisfaction (-.54**) in Children undergoing Hemodialysis. Children undergoing hemodialysis experience more psychological distress whereas children with thalassemia have better general health. However, no significant difference was found in life satisfaction. The findings of the present study will be helpful for healthcare professionals and clinical psychologists to develop strategies and training programs which can increase resilience among patients. Training the patients and caregivers regarding how to fight chronic illnesses will lead to an improvement in their quality of life.

Conclusion

Psychological distress is higher in children undergoing hemodialysis and general health is also not good but the level of satisfaction is almost equal between the two groups. This is justified that chronic illnesses do not preclude children from leading happy and satisfying lives.

Changes in child and adolescent mental health across the COVID-19 pandemic (2018-2023): Insights from general population and clinical samples in the Netherlands

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected child and adolescent mental health and at the end of the pandemic (April 2022) child mental health had not returned to pre-pandemic levels. We investigated whether this observed increase in mental health problems has continued, halted, or reversed after the end of the pandemic in children from the general population and in children in psychiatric care.

Methods

We collected parent-reported and child-reported data at two additional post-pandemic time points (November/December 2022 and March/April 2023) in children (8-18 years) from two general population samples (N = 818-1056 per measurement) and one clinical sample receiving psychiatric care (N = 320-370) and compared these with data from before the pandemic. We collected parent-reported data on internalizing and externalizing problems with the Brief Problem Monitor and self-reported data on Anxiety, Depressive symptoms, Sleep-related impairments, Anger, Global health, and Peer relations with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®).

Results

In the general population, parents reported no changes in externalizing problems but did report higher internalizing problems post-pandemic than pre-pandemic (p < 0.001). Children also reported increased mental health problems post-pandemic, especially in anxiety and depression, to a lesser extent in sleep-related impairment and global health, and least in anger (all ps < 0.01). In the clinical sample, parents reported higher internalizing (p < 0.001), but not externalizing problems post-pandemic compared to the start of the pandemic. Children reported greatest increases in problems in anxiety, depression, and global health, to a lesser extent on sleep-related impairment, and least on anger (all ps < 0.05).

Conclusions

Child mental health problems in the general population are substantially higher post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic measurements. In children in psychiatric care mental health problems have increased during the pandemic and are substantially higher post-pandemic than at the start of the pandemic. Longitudinal and comparative studies are needed to assess what the most important drivers of these changes are.

Psychometrics of the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system measures in hemophilia: the applicability of the pediatric item banks

Background

The use of patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) is important in hemophilia care, as it facilitates communication between patients and clinicians and promotes patient-centered care. Currently, a variety of PROMs with insufficient psychometric properties are used. Patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) measures, including Computer Adaptive Tests, were designed to measure generically and more efficiently and, therefore, are an alternative for the existing PROMs.

Objectives

To assess the feasibility, measurement properties, and outcomes of 8 PROMIS pediatric measures for boys with hemophilia.

Methods

In this multicenter study, boys with hemophilia completed 8 PROMIS measures and 2 legacy instruments. Feasibility was determined by the number of completed items and floor or ceiling effects (percentage of participants that achieved the lowest or highest possible score). Reliability was assessed as the percentage of scores with a SE ≤ 4.5. Construct validity was evaluated by comparing the PROMIS measures with the legacy instruments. Mean PROMIS T-scores were calculated and compared with the Dutch general population.

Results

In total, 77 boys with hemophilia participated. Reliability was good for almost all PROMIS measures and legacy instruments. The total number of completed items varied from 49 to 90 for the PROMIS pediatric measures, while the legacy instruments contained 117 to 130 items. Floor and ceiling effects were observed in both the PROMIS measures (0-39.5%) and legacy instruments (0-66.7%), but were higher for the legacy instruments.

Conclusions

The PROMIS pediatric measures are feasible to use for boys with hemophilia. With the use of the PROMIS measures in clinical care and research, a step toward worldwide standardization of PROM administration can be taken.

An Activity Scale for All Youth Athletes? Clinical Considerations for the HSS Pedi-FABS

Background

The Hospital for Special Surgery Pediatric Functional Activity Brief Scale (HSS Pedi-FABS) has demonstrated normally distributed scores in children aged 10 to 18 years. It has been used to evaluate knee injuries; however, there is limited information regarding its use in evaluating other injury types.

Purpose

To (1) assess the validity and utility of HSS Pedi-FABS in youth athletes with injuries to different parts of the body and (2) evaluate the association between the HSS Pedi-FABS and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric Global Health 7 (PGH), as well as PROMIS-Pain Interference (PGH-PI) and PROMIS-Fatigue (PGH-F) components.

Study Design

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective review of youth athletes aged 10 to 18 years who completed the HSS Pedi-FABS as part of their previsit intake questionnaire between April 2016 and July 2020. HSS Pedi-FABS score distributions were compared and evaluated for ceiling effects in cohorts determined by demographic, injury characteristic, and sports participation variables; a ceiling effect was determined to be present if >15% of respondents received the highest possible score. HSS Pedi-FABS scores were analyzed for a correlation with PGH, PGH-PI, and PGH-F components.

Results

Included were 2274 patients (mean age, 14.6 ± 2.1 years; 53.0% female) participating in 21 distinct primary sports for 9.6 ± 7.9 hours per week. The mean HSS Pedi-FABS scores by injury group were as follows: elbow (22.7 ± 6.7), shoulder (21.0 ± 8.7), ankle (20.2 ± 8.8), knee (19.5 ± 9.1), and hip (15.4 ± 10.4) (P < .001). Broad distribution was seen in each cohort, with no floor or ceiling effects. The HSS Pedi-FABS score correlated with patient-reported hours per week (r = 0.33), days per week (r = 0.33), and years of participation (r = 0.21) (P < .001 for all). All 3 PROMIS components correlated with HSS Pedi-FABS: PGH (r = 0.28), PGH-PI (r = -0.11), and PGH-F (r = -0.15) (P < .001).

Conclusion

Study findings indicated that the HSS Pedi-FABS is a valid tool for measuring physical activity level in most injured youth athletes, not just those with knee injuries. The correlation of HSS Pedi-FABS with the PGH suggests a positive relationship of childhood physical activity with general health.

Identifying Patient-Centered Outcomes for Caregivers and Children With Musculoskeletal Infections

Background

Musculoskeletal infections (MSKI), including osteomyelitis and septic arthritis, are among the most common invasive infections in children and have the potential to cause significant morbidity. Guidelines have been developed to optimize care based on clinician-developed endpoints. Patient-centered outcomes have not been defined for children with MSKI. This study identified outcomes most important to caregivers and patients with MSKI.

Methods

This was a single-center prospective qualitative study of children 6 months to 18 years of age hospitalized with MSKI from November 2019 to September 2021. Using design-research methods, patients and caregivers participated in interviews and/or completed journals to describe their experiences during acute infection and recovery from MSKI.

Results

A total of 51 patient/caregivers were approached to participate in the study, 35 of whom declined to participate, resulting in 8 interviews conducted and 14 journals collected from 16 patient/caregivers. From these, a journey map was created highlighting points of stress during the onset of symptoms, through hospitalization, and returning home with new challenges. In addition, patient-centered outcomes were identified. For caregivers, these included managing mental health, managing responsibilities, and receiving support. Both caregivers and patients shared the importance of understanding of treatment plans and responsibilities. For patients, improving mental and physical health was important.

Conclusions

Management of children with MSKI is complex and requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Validation of the outcomes identified and development of a measurement tool are needed. Addressing the patient-centered outcomes we identified in this study can greatly improve the holistic care of children with MSKI.