Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-005-5092-9
Title: Meaning of health-related quality of life among children and adolescents in an Asian country: A focus group approach
Authors: Wee, H.L. 
Chua, H.X.
Li, S.C. 
Keywords: Cross-cultural comparison
Focus group
Pediatrics
Quality-of-life
Issue Date: May-2006
Citation: Wee, H.L., Chua, H.X., Li, S.C. (2006-05). Meaning of health-related quality of life among children and adolescents in an Asian country: A focus group approach. Quality of Life Research 15 (5) : 821-831. ScholarBank@NUS Repository. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-005-5092-9
Abstract: Aims: We aimed to evaluate the extent to which HRQoL instruments developed based on the Western notion of health is applicable to Asian children and adolescents by assessing their conceptualization of QoL. A secondary objective is to evaluate the necessity of developing age- or gender-specific HRQoL instruments. Methods: We explored the meaning of general and health-related QoL through focus group discussions in Singapore, a multi-ethnic Asian society. Two investigators independently analysed the data. They extracted major and sub-themes related to both general and health-related QoL. The agreement between the analyses was compared and disagreement was resolved through discussion. Results: Thirty-two subjects (children: 50.0%, female: 50.0%) participated. There were few disagreements. Meanings of general and health-related QoL could be grouped under three broad themes: (1) physical, (2) psychological and (3) social health, consistent with the current definition of HRQoL. We found that Singaporean and Western children/adolescents share a remarkably similar notion of general and health-related QoL. Compared to adolescents, children were more likely to report positive emotions, be less mindful of others' opinions and had less varied social activities. Conclusion: The results suggest that currently available instruments are potentially useful for Singaporean children/adolescents. We also found that age-specific HRQoL instruments are necessary. © Springer 2006.
Source Title: Quality of Life Research
URI: http://scholarbank.nus.edu.sg/handle/10635/106123
ISSN: 09629343
DOI: 10.1007/s11136-005-5092-9
Appears in Collections:Staff Publications

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