Impact of family income and sickle cell disease on the health-related quality of life of children

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of family income and sickle cell disease on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of children. This was a cross-sectional study of children with and without sickle cell disease. Participants completed the PedsQL (TM) generic core scales parent-proxy or child self-report questionnaire during a routine clinic visit. HRQL was the primary outcome measured. Family income and sickle cell disease were the primary independent variables of interest. A total of 104 children with sickle cell disease and 74 without disease participated in the study. After adjusting for family income, patient age, and the presence of co-morbidities, children with severe sickle cell disease had increased odds of worse overall HRQL (parent-proxy HRQL report odds ratio [OR] 4.0) and physical HRQL (parent-proxy report OR 5.67, child self-report OR 3.33) compared to children without sickle cell disease. Children with sickle cell disease have significantly impaired HRQL, even after considering the potential detrimental effect of family income on HRQL. Targeted interventions to improve these children's HRQL are warranted.