Health related quality of life assessment in Pakistani paediatric cancer patients using PedsQL(TM) 4.0 generic core scale and PedsQL™ cancer module

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare the HRQOL of paediatric cancer in comparison to the healthy children across age groups, using PedsQL(TM) 4.0 Generic Core Scales and the PedsQL™ Cancer Module. METHOD: The PedsQL(TM) 4.0 Generic Core Scales and PedsQL Cancer Module 3.0 were administered on 56 children including 26 cancer patients and 30 healthy children while employing self and proxy report forms. Furthermore, the results were compared with their healthy comparison group. RESULTS: The results indicated a significant relationship between HRQOL reports of cancer patients and their parents. However, the mean of paediatric cancer patients is significantly lower as compare to their healthy comparison group. The mean of proxy report is lower overall on both PedsQL and PedsQL cancer module reports. CONCLUSION: Conclusively, overall HRQOL of cancer patients was lower than healthy children but it is quite similar to their parents’ perception. Whereas, the parental mean on PedsQL and PedsQL 3.0 Cancer Module are significantly low. The study indicated a marked difference between cancer patients and healthy children’s HRQOL perception and unfortunately in country like Pakistan where cancer is on increase, no significant work has yet been done to explore this area of research. The present study highlighted the need to focus on the particular psychological health services required to serve the physically challenged population.