Affiliations: Forschungsgruppe Psychosoziale Gesundheit, Robert
Koch-Institut, Berlin | Universität Bielefeld, Fakultät für
Gesundheitswissenschaften | Institut und Poliklinik für Medizinische
Psychologie Zentrum für Psychosoziale Medizin, Universitätsklinikum
Hamburg Eppendorf
Note: [] Korrespondenzadresse: Prof. Dr. Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer, MPH
Forschungsgruppe Psychosoziale Gesundheit, Robert Koch-Institut, Seestr. 10,
13353 Berlin. Tel.: 030 4547 3436, Fax: 030 4547 3531; E-mail: Ravens-SiebererU@rki.de
Abstract: Objectives. The current paper attempts to give an overview on the
state of the art of quality of life assessment (HRQoL) in children as it
relates to methodological and conceptual challenges, and the instruments
available. Methods. In a literature search, available instruments for the
assessment of children and adolescent's HRQoL were identified and
evaluated with regards to several problem areas worked out within the
literature search. Results. Several major issues were considered: (1)
dimensions of HRQoL relevant for children, (2) cross-culturally comparable
assessment, (3) selfrated vs. externally evaluated HRQoL, (4) age-appropriate
assessment, (5) disease-specific vs. generic instruments, (6) profile
instruments versus index instruments, (7) HRQoL and utility- preference value.
Nine generic HRQoL instruments and four utility health state classification
systems complied with pre-specified inclusion criteria but met the identified
challenges in different extent. Conclusion. There are instruments available
measuring the HRQoL-dimensions relevant to children. If an instrument was
constructed appropriately, HRQoL can be measured in an interculturally
comparable manner. Selfratings should be ascertained; the
children's maturity and cognitive development have to be
considered. Generic instruments allow to measure HRQoL across different
diseases. The use of singular index values of HRQoL is connected to strict
psychometric conditions. How far utility measures are useful for children has
to be investigated in further studies.
Keywords: Health related Quality of Life, Children and Adolescents, Psychometric Tests: Review
