Evaluation of the impact of adherence to infection prevention measures on the quality of life in children with hematologic malignancies

Purpose The survival rate for paediatric hematological malignancies has improved significantly, shifting focus to Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL). The objectives of this study was to investigate the impact of infection prevention lifestyle adjustments on HRQOL and to determine whether these adjustments were feasible and applicable in practice. Methodology A prospective quantitative cross-sectional study was done, in which 21 children between 6-18 years old, treated for an hematological malignancy at the University Hospital Antwerp were interviewed. The questionnaire was developed in accordance with PedsQL TM , consisting of 27, five-point Likert scale questions. Results The impact of lifestyle modifications to avoid infections on the HRQOL was assessed using a physical, social, emotional and school domain, of which the median was 3.2 [IQR 2.6; 3.7], 3.5 [IQR 3; 4], 3.5 [IQR 2.9; 4.6] and 3.7 [IQR 3.3; 4.3] respectively. These corresponded to 'rarely to sometimes' having difficulty complying with these rules. The feasibility and applicability of complying in practice was tested in the physical, social and school domain, of which the median was 1.2 [IQR 1; 1.5], 1 [IQR 1; 1.5] and 1 [IQR 1; 1] respectively. These corresponded to 'always' being feasible and applicable. Conclusion The first study showed that HRQOL was impacted by lifestyle modifications to avoid infections and influenced in every domain, especially the physical domain. Although children and/or their proxy indicated that the guidelines were feasible and applicable in practice the evidence of these recommendations must be evaluated.