Health-related quality of life of children and adolescents with one vs. multiple disabilities - Are there differences from the parents' perspective?

BackgroundMultiple disabilities represent separate entities that cannot be reduced to the sum of disabilities or the main disability. This study compared the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents with multiple disabilities and those with one developmental disability. We further assessed how comorbidities and guardianship type affected HRQoL.MethodOn a sample of 190 children and adolescents with developmental disabilities aged 2-18 years (mean age 11.19 years, SD 3.76), we evaluated HRQoL using the PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scale (parent proxy-reports).ResultsParticipants with multiple disabilities and participants with one developmental disability statistically significantly differed in all domains of HRQoL, except for emotional functioning. Multiple disabilities resulted in a lower HRQoL. Comorbidities like epilepsy diminished participants' HRQoL. Guardianship type did not affect HRQoL.ConclusionsDisability complexity affects HRQoL. Since each impairment increases difficulties in daily functioning, all existing disorders need to be considered when planning services for children with disabilities.