Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education
Open Access

Abstract

The EuroQol group developed the EQ-5D-Y, a child-friendly version of the EQ-5D to be used with children and adolescents. This study aimed to comparison of health-related quality of life of elementary school students according to allergy symptoms using of the EQ-5D-Y. The subjects of the study were recruited by convenience sampling from 10 primary schools in Gyungbuk, South Korea. We have also sent informing newsletter to the students� family. The EQ-5D-Y was self-administered in the sample population and demographic and health information was collected from the subjects� parents or guardians. In order to explore the construct validity of the EQ-5D-Y, the difference in the percentage of respondents reporting problems by prevalence of allergic symptoms (wheezing, runny or blocked nose and itchy rash) in the past 12 months. In addition, the difference in the percentage of respondents reporting problems and EQ-VAS score depending on the number of allergic symptoms were examined. Total 2,494 questionnaires were collected. Missing response was 24 (0.96%) on the EQ-5D-Y and 187 (7.5%) on the VAS. Proportion of reported problem ranged from 2.3% on the mobility to 9.8% on the having pain or discomfort dimension. Group with wheezing, rhinorrhea or nasal stiffness and itching rash were showed significantly higher problem reporting proportion in most EQ-5D-Y dimensions than healthy group without each symptom. As the number of symptoms increase, percentage of respondent reporting problems was increased and the VAS score decreased.

Biography

Sang-Kyu Kim has enthusiasm and expertise in public health. He is actively participating in community health promotion activities. He is evaluating the quality of life of children with allergies and is trying to provide a basis for health promotion schools for allergic diseases.