Impact of Therapeutic Recreation Camping on Children's Quality of Life
Author Information
Author(s): Békési Andrea, Török Szabolcs, Kökönyei Gyöngyi, Bokrétás Ildikó, Szentes Annamária, Telepóczki Gábor, The European KIDSCREEN Group
Primary Institution: Bátor Tábor Foundation, Budapest, Hungary
Hypothesis
The therapeutic recreation camping program of Bátor Tábor has a detectable positive impact on the self-reported physical, psychological, emotional and social aspects of well-being of children and adolescents.
Conclusion
The therapeutic recreation camping program had a positive impact on the health-related quality of life of children and adolescents living with cancer, diabetes, and juvenile immune arthritis.
Supporting Evidence
- 32 children (27.8%) showed clinically significant improvement on at least one subscale.
- Self-perception scores increased from pre camp to post camp.
- Autonomy scores decreased for children under 14 years of age.
- School Environment scores increased from pre camp to post camp.
Takeaway
Kids with chronic illnesses had a better time and felt better about themselves after going to a special camp where they could play and have fun.
Methodology
The study used the Hungarian version of the Kidscreen-52 questionnaire to assess health-related quality of life before and after the camp, with a sample of 115 children and adolescents aged 10-18.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to uncontrolled environment where questionnaires were filled out.
Limitations
The study lacked a control group and was conducted in an uncontrolled environment, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Children and adolescents aged 10-18 with chronic illnesses including cancer, diabetes, and juvenile immune arthritis.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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