Assessment Of Quality Of Life Of Primary Caregivers Of Egyptian Asthmatic Children And Adolescents

Background: Asthma as a serious public health problem worldwide exerts a serious load on children's health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and their families. Objective: We assess the HRQOL of the primary caregivers of Egyptian asthmatic children and adolescents and its relation to HRQOL of their children and asthma severity. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 128 pairs of asthmatic children (7-16 years) and their primary caregivers. Pediatric asthma quality of life (QOL) questionnaire, pediatric asthma caregiver's QOL questionnaire, and asthma control questionnaire were used. Results: Uncontrolled asthmatic patients had statistically significantly lower mean caregiver score compared to controlled asthmatic (P < 0.005). There was a statistically significant positive correlation between caregiver's individual and overall QOL scores and their children (individual and overall QOL scores) (P < 0.05). A statistically significant negative correlation between asthma severity and QOL scores of the caregivers of asthmatic children and adolescents was found (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The QOL of the primary caregivers of asthmatic children is significantly adversely affected by their children's illness severity.