Factors related to Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) among children with ADHD in Europe at entry into treatment

Objective To describe the associations between a range of baseline factors (demographic, family and clinical) and parent-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children with ADHD taking part in the ADORE study. Methods HRQoL was rated using the Parent Report Form of the Child Health and Illness Profile-Child Edition (CHIP-CE). Forward-stepwise linear regression models were used to investigate associations with 26 independent variables. Separate models were fitted for each of the five CHIP-CE domains (Satisfaction, Comfort, Resilience, Risk Avoidance and Achievement) and two subdomains of Achievement (Academic Performance and Peer Relations). Results CHIP-CE domain mean scores were lower than community norms, especially for Risk Avoidance and Achievement, indicating a low level of HRQoL. Clinical factors significantly associated with a poorer HRQoL included ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity), conduct problems, peer relationship problems, having asthma, multiple other somatic symptoms and co-ordination problems. Family factors, such as having a parent with a health or mental health problem possibly caused by the child's illness, child not living with both parents and maternal smoking during pregnancy were also associated with a worse HRQoL in some CHIP-CE domains/subdomains. Conclusions Numerous factors independently impact on the HRQoL of children with ADHD.