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Quality of Life of Unaffected Siblings of Children with Chronic Neurological Disorders

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Abstract

Objective

To study quality of life (QoL) of the siblings of children with chronic neurological disorders.

Methods

Between 1st August and 30th September, 2013, 50 children aged 12–18 y, whose child sibling was suffering from a chronic neurological disorder, were enrolled (Study group). Fifty age- and sex- matched siblings of apparently non-neurologically affected children were enrolled as controls (Control group). Those with more than one affected child or any affected adult in the family were excluded. QoL was assessed by a validated version of the WHOQOL-BREF in Hindi, and QoL was compared between cases and controls.

Results

The disorders in the index cases included cerebral palsy, 18 (15 with epilepsy); autism, 15; mental retardation, 12 and epilepsy, 5. The QoL in all domains was significantly poorer in the study group as compared to the controls. 64% study group children had insufficient knowledge about their sibling’s condition. More than 1/4th study subjects faced difficulties in studies, play or work. There was no difference among the groups with regard to number of siblings who had ‘dropped from the school’.

Conclusions

The QoL of unaffected siblings of children with chronic neurological disorders was significantly impaired. Health-workers may consider including older siblings of neurologically affected children during family-counseling sessions, to provide information and suggest coping strategies. This intervention is likely to improve the functioning of the family unit as a whole.

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Contributions

DM conceived the study, prepared the manuscript, and will be the guarantor. PR conducted the study as part of her Short term Studentship 2013, did the literature search, and helped in manuscript preparation. Both authors agreed for publication.

Conflict of Interest

None.

Source of Funding

Indian Council of Medical Research, Delhi.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College and associated Lok Nayak Hospital, Delhi, 110002, India

    Pratyaksha Rana & Devendra Mishra

Authors
  1. Pratyaksha Rana
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  2. Devendra Mishra
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Correspondence to Devendra Mishra.

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Rana, P., Mishra, D. Quality of Life of Unaffected Siblings of Children with Chronic Neurological Disorders. Indian J Pediatr 82, 545–548 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-014-1672-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-014-1672-4

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