Measuring health-related quality of life for child maltreatment
Author Information
Author(s): Lisa A Prosser, Phaedra S Corso
Primary Institution: Center for Child Health Care Studies, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Department of Ambulatory Care and Prevention, Boston, MA, USA
Hypothesis
The objective of this study was to review the literature for existing approaches and instruments for measuring quality-of-life for child maltreatment outcomes.
Conclusion
Recommendations for valuing preference-based quality-of-life for child maltreatment will vary by developmental level and type of maltreatment.
Supporting Evidence
- Child maltreatment causes substantial morbidity and mortality in the U.S.
- Accurately measuring the reduction in quality of life associated with child maltreatment is essential for economic evaluations.
- Currently available preference-based QOL instruments have been developed primarily for adults.
Takeaway
This study looked at how to measure the quality of life for children who have been abused, finding that current methods don't work well for young kids.
Methodology
The study reviewed literature to identify approaches to valuing child maltreatment outcomes and assessed available quality of life instruments.
Potential Biases
The parent may not be a suitable proxy for valuing health due to potential abuse.
Limitations
Scant research has focused on measuring HRQL for maltreated children, and existing instruments may not capture all relevant domains.
Participant Demographics
The study included literature from English-speaking countries and focused on children ages 0–17.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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