Background/Aim. Although long-term survival of childhood cancer patients is
significantly improved, prolonged treatment and hospitalization might have
negative impacts on child development. The aim of this study was to verify
profile of health-related quality of life parameters in population of
schoolchildren during hospitalization and treatment for malignant disease.
Methods. The Serbian version of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version
4.0 (PedsQLTM4.0) Generic Core Scales was applied. A total of 120
schoolchildren were analyzed: 60 patients hospitalized for prolonged
malignant disease treatment and 60 healthy schoolchildren from public
schools. The study was done at the Institute for Oncology and Radiology of
Serbia, as well as in four schools. Results. Generally, schoolchildren
hospitalized for cancer treatment demonstrated lower scores on physical,
emotional, social and school functioning when compared to healthy
schoolchildren from regular public schools. Significant differences were
observed for all the 8 items of the Physical Health Scale, in 2 out of 5
items of the Emotional Functioning Scale, in 4 out of 5 items of the Social
Functioning Scale, and 3 out of 5 items of the School Functioning Scale.
Conclusions. The Serbian version of PedsQLTM 4.0 Generic Core Scales could be
successfully used to evaluate physical, emotional, social and school
functioning of hospitalized children and adolescent. Schoolchildren
hospitalized for prolonged tumor treatment have poorer HRQOL scores compared
to general healthy population, however the level of remaining physical,
emotional and social parameters should provide solid foundation for their
potential rehabilitation, education and inclusion.
Health-related quality of life assessment in Serbian schoolchildren hospitalized for malignant disease
