Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Determinants Among Children with Congenital Heart Defects in Lagos, Nigeria: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study

Background: Thehealth-related quality of Life (HRQoL) of children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) and their caregivers is important in holistic management. This study evaluated the HRQoL and its predictors among children with congenital heart defects attending Lagos University Teaching Hospital Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study among 180 children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) and healthy controls. HRQoL was assessed using the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory [PedsQL™]. Socio-demographic data and clinical characteristics were also obtained and tested based on HRQoL scores to determine if there were possible associations. Results: The mean age was 10.34 ± 3.3 years. The mean physical functioning (60.37±24.4 vs. 83.07±20.8), emotional functioning (75.96±16.3 vs. 83.14±15.3), social functioning (72.03±21.5 vs. 89.00±17.4), school functioning (59.06±21.7 vs. 77.67±20.0), and the overall total HRQoL scores were (66.85±15.3 vs. 83.22±14.7) in CHDs compared to controls, respectively. The parent proxy HRQoL scores correlate positively with the child’s scores. Only social class and types of CHDs were associated with HRQoL scores. Conclusion: The study reveals the low HRQoL in the populations with CHDs compared with the healthy controls, buttressing the need for holistic care that addresses medical, surgical and social support in children with CHDs. Trial Registration : Not Applicable