Original Articles
Development of a pilot health related quality of life tool for Sri Lankan children with epilepsy
Authors:
Roshini Murugupillai ,
Eastern University Sri Lanka, LK
About Roshini
Lecturer, Eastern University, Sri Lanka
Jithangi Wanigasinghe,
University of Colombo, LK
About Jithangi
Senior Lecturer and Honorary Paediatric Neurologist, University of Colombo
Ravi Muniyandi,
Eastern University Sri Lanka, LK
About Ravi
Senior Lecturer, Eastern University Sri Lanka
Carukshi Arambepola
University of Colombo, LK
About Carukshi
Senior Lecturer and Specialist in Community Medicine, University of Colombo
Abstract
Introduction: Health related quality of life (HRQL) is used as an outcome measure to describe the disease burden in epilepsy.
Objective: To develop a multidimensional questionnaire to assess the HRQL of children and adolescents with epilepsy (CAWE) in rural Sri Lanka from their primary caregiver’s opinion.
Method: To generate items for pilot questionnaire, we conducted a qualitative study comprising 24 in-depth interviews with 13 primary caregivers of CAWE, 5 CAWE, 3 siblings of CAWE, 3 parents of healthy children, and 3 focus group discussions with 1 primary caregiver of CAWE and 2 key informants in 3 districts (Ampara, Monaragala, Hambantota) representing a multi-ethnic rural community in Sri Lanka. Constant comparison analysis of the interview transcripts was done manually. Construct utilized to develop the pilot questionnaire was HRQL corresponding to the impact of epilepsy and its treatment on daily life based on the primary caregivers’ assessment. From the qualitative data, 100 items distributed in 4 domains of HRQL was pooled initially. A 10 member expert panel did item reduction and observed content and face validity.
Results: The pilot questionnaire was composed of 34 questions in the 0-5 year age group and 60 questions in the 6-18 year age group. All items established good face and content validity.
Conclusion: This pilot questionnaire appears to be unique, culturally sound and population specific HRQL tool for children and adolescents with epilepsy in rural Sri Lanka.
How to Cite:
Murugupillai, R., Wanigasinghe, J., Muniyandi, R. and Arambepola, C., 2016. Development of a pilot health related quality of life tool for Sri Lankan children with epilepsy. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 45(3), pp.163–168. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/sljch.v45i3.8024
Published on
05 Sep 2016.
Peer Reviewed
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