Assessment of quality of life and psychosocial problems in children with Congenital Heart Disease

Objective: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a condition that can significantly impact health-related quality of life due to the need for long-term follow-up and treatment. The purpose of this study was to analyse the quality of life of children diagnosed with CHD and to assess the relationship between the disease and their physical and mental well-being. Materials and Methods: The study involved 180 patients and 180 healthy controls. Both groups were divided into three age categories (5-7 years, 8-12 years, and 13-18 years), with 60 children in each age group. The researchers administered the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) to the participants, taking into account their age. Results: Comparisons between the patient and control groups showed that the patient group had significantly lower scores than the control group in terms of total quality of life scale score, physical health score, and psychosocial health score of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001). Quality of life was also compared between patients receiving and not receiving medication treatment. Patients receiving medication treatment had lower scores for total quality of life score, physical health score, and psychosocial health score of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory compared to the control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.005, and p < 0.001). Conclusion: Children with CHD experience a negative impact on their quality of life. Given the extended life expectancy resulting from new treatment options, it is important to monitor these children both physically and psychosocially and to implement activities aimed at improving their quality of life.