Generic health-related quality of life instruments in children and adolescents: a qualitative analysis of content

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the extent of differences and similarities in content between heath-related quality of life (HRQOL) instruments for children and adolescents.

Methods: A descriptive and explanatory qualitative approach was carried out. Instruments specifically designed for use with children or adolescents were included. To assure the validity of the findings a triangulation of the analysis and "member checking" were performed.

Results: Ten questionnaires were analyzed. All of them included items referring to physical, psychological, and social aspects of health. A relatively low number of categories explained the content of the questionnaires.

Conclusions: A reasonably coherent notion of HRQOL underlies instruments available for children and adolescents. HRQOL measurement in young people is still in its developmental step.