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Alrayes N, Issa NM, Alghubayshi OY, Al‐Amaa JY, Alsabban AH, Al Shaer DS, Alyoubi RA, Nasser KK, Alkhiary YM. Quality of life in children with Down syndrome and its association with parent and child demographic characteristics: Parent-reported measures. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2024; 12:e2337. [PMID: 38093585 PMCID: PMC10767681 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.2337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to explore the association between the quality of life (QoL) in children with Down syndrome (DS) and its relationship with demographic characteristics of both parents and children. The investigation encompasses five domains: physical and psychological well-being, autonomy and parental relationship, social well-being, and peers, as well as school and the learning environment. METHOD An online questionnaire, the KIDSCREEN-27, was used to measure the QoL of 112 families with DS in Saudi Arabia, referred to as "Parent-Reported Measures." Descriptive statistics were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. RESULTS The study found that the QoL of children with DS showed high scores in the psychological well-being, autonomy, parental relations, school, and learning environment domains. However, the physical and social well-being and peer domains had lower scores, although still considered "good scores." Family income had a positively significant influence on all QoL domains. Specifically, higher family income was associated with better QoL outcomes, except for social well-being. Parental age was found to influence psychological well-being, while parental education and the relationship between the parent and child influenced social well-being. Lastly, the child's gender was found to have an impact on the school and learning environment domain. CONCLUSION The study highlights the importance of understanding the impact of the demographic variability of children with DS and their parents on the QoL of their children. It emphasizes the need to address the needs of families with lower incomes and the importance of parental education and relationships with their children in improving social well-being. The findings could aid policymakers and healthcare providers in improving the QoL for families with children who have DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuha Alrayes
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical SciencesKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahSaudi Arabia
- Princess Al‐Jawhara Center of Excellence in Research of Hereditary DisordersKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahSaudi Arabia
| | - Noha M. Issa
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Faculty of MedicineKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahSaudi Arabia
- Department of Human Genetics, Medical Research InstituteAlexandria UniversityAlexandriaEgypt
| | - Omar Y. Alghubayshi
- Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health, Khobar Hospital and Health Centers ManagementAl‐KhobarSaudi Arabia
| | - Jumana Y. Al‐Amaa
- Princess Al‐Jawhara Center of Excellence in Research of Hereditary DisordersKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahSaudi Arabia
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Faculty of MedicineKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahSaudi Arabia
| | - Ashwaq Hassan Alsabban
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of SciencesKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahSaudi Arabia
| | - Dalal Sameer Al Shaer
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Faculty of MedicineKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahSaudi Arabia
| | | | - Khalidah K. Nasser
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical SciencesKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahSaudi Arabia
- Princess Al‐Jawhara Center of Excellence in Research of Hereditary DisordersKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahSaudi Arabia
| | - Yaser M. Alkhiary
- Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Department, Faculty of DentistryKing Abdulaziz UniversityJeddahSaudi Arabia
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Takataya K, Kanzaki Y, Mizuno E, Sakai I. Thoughts of young adults with Down syndrome. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2022; 41:195-200. [PMID: 36428048 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2022.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to obtain information about the thoughts of young adults with Down syndrome through interviews of them. METHODS The numbers of participants were 4 and 7 in order to group interviews and individual interviews. They were recruited through the local Association of Parents of Down syndrome. The study incorporated a qualitative descriptive exploratory design to clarify the actual conditions of the lives young adults with Down syndrome and their own thoughts. RESULTS Through analysis, six themes emerged: 1) thoughts about work, 2) existence of friends, 3) how to spend leisure time, 4) meaning of disability, 5) relationships with people, and 6) future dreams. CONCLUSIONS 1) Although young adults with Down syndrome are serious about their work, it is difficult for them to make friends at work. However, they recognized people at work as their comrades and were encouraged by being spoken to by these people. 2) Although they had few opportunities to engage in activities with their friends, they looked forward to the contact with their friends. 3) In their leisure time, they often spent time alone, listening to CDs, or watching YouTube. 4) Four of the participants knew that they had Down syndrome, but they did not deny that fact.
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Schuler R, Bedei I, Oehmke F, Zimmer KP, Ehrhardt H. New Challenges with Treatment Advances in Newborn Infants with Genetic Disorders and Severe Congenital Malformations. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9020236. [PMID: 35204956 PMCID: PMC8870374 DOI: 10.3390/children9020236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the prognosis of relevant syndromes and severe congenital malformations in infants during the last few decades have enabled the treatment and survival of an ever-increasing number of infants, whose prospects were previously judged futile by professional health care teams. This required detailed counselling for families, which frequently started before birth when a diagnosis was made using genetic testing or ultrasound. Predictions of the estimated prognosis, and frequently the more-or-less broad range of prospects, needed to include the chances of survival and data on acute and long-term morbidities. However, in the interest of a having an informed basis for parental decision-making with a professional interdisciplinary team, this process needs to acknowledge the rights of the parents for a comprehensive presentation of the expected quality of life of their child, the potential consequences for family life, and the couple’s own relationship. Besides expert advice, professional psychological and familial support is needed as a basis for a well-founded decision regarding the best treatment options for the child. It needs to be acknowledged by the professional team that the parental estimate of a “good outcome” or quality of life does not necessarily reflect the attitudes and recommendations of the professional team. Building a mutually trusting relationship is essential to avoid decision conflicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Schuler
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Justus Liebig University, Feulgenstrasse 12, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.-P.Z.); (H.E.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ivonne Bedei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus Liebig University, Klinikstrasse 33, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; (I.B.); (F.O.)
| | - Frank Oehmke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Justus Liebig University, Klinikstrasse 33, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; (I.B.); (F.O.)
| | - Klaus-Peter Zimmer
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Justus Liebig University, Feulgenstrasse 12, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.-P.Z.); (H.E.)
| | - Harald Ehrhardt
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Justus Liebig University, Feulgenstrasse 12, D-35392 Giessen, Germany; (K.-P.Z.); (H.E.)
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Siddiqui A, Ladak LA, Kazi AM, Kaleem S, Akbar F, Kirmani S. Assessing Health-Related Quality of Life, Morbidity, and Survival Status for Individuals With Down Syndrome in Pakistan (DS-Pak): Protocol for a Web-Based Collaborative Registry. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e24901. [PMID: 34081014 PMCID: PMC8212620 DOI: 10.2196/24901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder, with a global incidence of 1 in 700 live births. However, the true prevalence, associated morbidities, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of these individuals and their families are not well documented, especially in low- and middle-income countries such as Pakistan. Disease-specific documentation in the form of a collaborative registry is required to better understand this condition and the associated health outcomes. This protocol paper describes the aims and processes for developing the first comprehensive, web-based collaborative registry for Down syndrome in a Pakistani cohort. Objective This study aims to assess the HRQOL, long-term survival, and morbidity of individuals with Down syndrome by using a web-based collaborative registry. Methods The registry data collection will be conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital and at the Karachi Down Syndrome Program. Data will be collected by in-person interviews or virtually via telephone or video interviews. Participants of any age and sex with Down syndrome (trisomy 21) will be recruited. After receiving informed consent and assent, a series of tablet-based questionnaires will be administered. The questionnaires aim to assess the sociodemographic background, clinical status, and HRQOL of the participants and their families. Data will be uploaded to a secure cloud server to allow for real-time access to participant responses by the clinicians to plan prompt interventions. Patient safety and confidentiality will be maintained by using multilayer encryption and unique coded patient identifiers. The collected data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 (IBM Corporation), with the mean and SD of continuous variables being reported. Categorical variables will be analyzed with their percentages being reported and with a P value cutoff of .05. Multivariate regression analysis will be conducted to identify predictors related to the HRQOL in patients with Down syndrome. Survival analysis will be reported using the Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results The web-based questionnaire is currently being finalized before the commencement of pilot testing. This project has not received funding at the moment (ethical review committee approval reference ID: 2020-3582-11145). Conclusions This registry will allow for a comprehensive understanding of Down syndrome in low- and middle-income countries. This can provide the opportunity for data-informed interventions, which are tailored to the specific needs of this patient population and their families. Although this web-based registry is a proof of concept, it has the potential to be expanded to national, regional, and international levels. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/24901
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayat Siddiqui
- Department of Pediatrics, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Laila Akbar Ladak
- Department of Pediatrics, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney Nursing School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Abdul Momin Kazi
- Department of Pediatrics, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sidra Kaleem
- Department of Pediatrics, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Fizza Akbar
- Department of Pediatrics, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Salman Kirmani
- Department of Pediatrics, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
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Haddad F, Bourke J, Wong K, Leonard H. An investigation of the determinants of quality of life in adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197394. [PMID: 29897903 PMCID: PMC5999114 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young people with Down syndrome experience varying abilities in activities of daily living, cognitive functioning, behaviour and social skills. The aim of this research was to investigate, from a carer's perspective, the factors that influenced the quality of life of these young people. METHODS Families of young people with Down syndrome (n = 197), aged 16-31 years, living in Western Australia, took part in a questionnaire study regarding young person daily functioning, family characteristics, medical background and quality of life measured by the Kidscreen 27-item scale. Kidscreen-10 total score was used as an outcome in the investigation of determinants with higher scores indicating better quality of life. RESULTS After adjustment for confounders including carer's mental health measured by the Depression and Anxiety Scale (DASS), global impact of illness as well as impact of mental health and bowel conditions were all negatively associated with the young person's quality of life. Young people who had three or more friends had better quality of life than those with no friends. Scores were lower (reflecting poor quality of life) in individuals who had more behavioural problems but these relationships were attenuated after adjustment for confounders and DASS. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings revealed that quality of life of young people with Down syndrome was most negatively associated with burden of medical conditions, but also with lack of friendships. We were somewhat surprised to find the effect of medical problems on quality of life persisting into adolescence and adulthood where in general the burden of medical comorbidities is much less than in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Haddad
- University of Western Australia, Perth Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jenny Bourke
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kingsley Wong
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth Western Australia, Australia
| | - Helen Leonard
- University of Western Australia, Perth Western Australia, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth Western Australia, Australia
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Shields N, Leonard H, Munteanu S, Bourke J, Lim P, Taylor NF, Downs J. Parent-reported health-related quality of life of children with Down syndrome: a descriptive study. Dev Med Child Neurol 2018; 60:402-408. [PMID: 29359801 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM To describe health-related quality of life of Australian children and adolescents with Down syndrome and compare it with norm-referenced data. METHOD A cross-sectional survey was conducted with parents of 75 children and adolescents (43 males, 32 females) with Down syndrome aged 5 to 18 years (mean age 13y 2mo, SD 4y 8mo). The proxy-report KIDSCREEN-27 questionnaire was administered and five dimensions of health-related quality of life were measured. Data were analysed descriptively and compared with normative data. RESULTS Total group mean scores for psychological well-being, autonomy and parent relation, and school environment dimensions were within normal threshold values, whereas mean scores for physical well-being, and social support and peers dimensions, were poorer. For participants with Down syndrome aged 8 to 18 years, the difference with normative data for proxy-reported physical well-being, psychological well-being, and social support and peers dimensions favoured typically developing children. Adolescents (13-18y) with Down syndrome scored poorer on all dimensions than children (5-12y) with Down syndrome. INTERPRETATION Our findings assist a better understanding of the lived experiences of children and adolescents with Down syndrome, as perceived by their parents, and suggest aspects of health that could be influenced to optimize their quality of life. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Proxy-reported psychological well-being and autonomy were within the normal range for children with Down syndrome. Physical well-being and social support scores were significantly lower than normative data. Proxy-reported scores for adolescents with Down syndrome were consistently poorer than for children with Down syndrome and the differences were clinically important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Shields
- School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Northern Health, Epping, Vic., Australia
| | - Helen Leonard
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia.,University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Shannon Munteanu
- School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jennifer Bourke
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia
| | - Polly Lim
- School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Nicholas F Taylor
- School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Allied Health Clinical Research Office, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Subiaco, WA, Australia.,School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
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