Article

This study uses the Life Course Model for Spina Bifida (SB) to advance
knowledge of factors associated with change in quality-of-life (QOL) among
emerging adults with SB. DESIGN: Forty-eight participants (mean [SD], 22.04
[2.16] yrs) completed self-report questionnaires at two time points, 15 mos
apart. Four QOL domains (physical health, psychological, social relationships,
and environment) were measured using the World Health Organization QOL-BREF
version. SB clinical data were collected via chart reviews. Paired t tests and
reliable change indices evaluated group- and individual-level QOL change,
respectively. Multiple regression analyses tested the contributions of the Life
Course variables in explaining change in QOL over time. RESULTS: No significant
group-level differences in the QOL domains were found between time 1 and time 2,
but there was substantial individual variation in QOL over time. SB severity was
related to a decline only in psychological QOL (B = -0.68,
P = 0.02). Increased
pain was associated with reduced physical health (B = -0.29, P = 0.049) and
psychological (B = -0.29, P = 0.03) QOL at time 2, whereas greater family
satisfaction was related to improved QOL in several domains. CONCLUSIONS:
Clinicians should be aware of the negative impact of pain and the protective
influence of family satisfaction on QOL in emerging adults with SB.

Langue : ANGLAIS