Cardiology in the Young

Table of Contents - February 2013 - Volume 23, Issue 01  

Original Article

Quality of life and psychosocial functioning of children with cardiac arrhythmias

Elizabeth R. Pulgarona1 c1, Diana Wilea1, Kerri Schneidera1, Ming-Lon Younga1 and Alan M. Delamatera1

a1 Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America

Abstract

Childhood cardiac arrhythmias may have a long-lasting impact on a family and typically require long-term medical follow-up. Whereas some arrhythmias are benign, others can be life threatening and require significant medical care. As with many chronic illnesses, it is important to study the potential psychosocial effects of childhood arrhythmias and how they may impact a child's quality of life. The purpose of this study was to create a quality of life measure specific to childhood arrhythmias and to describe the current psychosocial functioning of this population. A total of 46 families participated in a one-time paper and pencil assessment during their regularly scheduled clinic visits. Results indicated promise for the validity and reliability of this new measure. Children in the current sample also demonstrated a high degree of resiliency. Additional analyses with larger samples will be needed to verify the psychometric properties of this measure. Overall, the high functioning of many of these children despite medical trauma is promising. Future studies should consider using some screening measures to decide which children may be most in need of intervention.

(Received March 08 2011)

(Accepted February 19 2012)

(Online publication April 18 2012)

Keywords

  • Quality of life;
  • children;
  • psychosocial functioning;
  • cardiac;
  • arrhythmias

Correspondence:

c1 Correspondence to: Dr E. R. Pulgaron, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Clinical Psychology, PO Box 016820 (D-820), Miami, Florida 33101, United States of America. Tel: +1 305 243 4554; Fax: +1 605 243 4512; E-mail: epulgaron@med.miami.edu

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