Impact of family income and sickle cell disease on the health-related quality of life of children

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine the impact of family income and sickle cell disease on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of children. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of children with and without sickle cell disease. Participants completed the PedsQL™ generic core scales parent-proxy or child self-report questionnaire during a routine clinic visit. HRQL was the primary outcome measured. Family income and sickle cell disease were the primary independent variables of interest. RESULTS: A total of 104 children with sickle cell disease and 74 without disease participated in the study. After adjusting for family income, patient age, and the presence of co-morbidities, children with severe sickle cell disease had increased odds of worse overall HRQL (parent-proxy HRQL report odds ratio [OR] 4.0) and physical HRQL (parent-proxy report OR 5.67, child self-report OR 3.33) compared to children without sickle cell disease. CONCLUSIONS: Children with sickle cell disease have significantly impaired HRQL, even after considering the potential detrimental effect of family income on HRQL. Targeted interventions to improve these children’s HRQL are warranted.