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Abstract The aim of this study is to synthesize evidence from randomized controlled (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies evaluating the effects of parental involvement interventions on quality of life and health outcomes among children and adolescents with chronic illness. Two independent reviewers screened studies according to predefined inclusion criteria across six databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Embase). Discrepancies were resolved through discussion and consensus. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models with mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes on the same scale and standardized mean differences (SMDs) for outcomes using different measurement tools. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I 2 statistic, and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential sources of variation. This systematic review and meta-analysis included nine trials (seven RCTs and two quasi-experimental studies) involving children and adolescents aged 0–19 years with chronic illnesses, including epilepsy, asthma, type 1 diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and leukemia. Parental involvement interventions significantly improved quality of life (SMD = 1.014; 95% CI: 0.110–1.918; p = 0.028). Subgroup analyses revealed that shorter interventions (≤ 12 weeks) were most effective (SMD = 1.676), adolescents showed moderate improvements (SMD = 0.531), and nurse-led interventions demonstrated consistent benefits (SMD = 0.737). Effects varied significantly by economic setting, with the largest improvements in lower-middle-income countries. Conclusion : This study provides comprehensive evidence that parental involvement interventions significantly improve quality of life and health-related outcomes among children and adolescents with chronic illnesses, particularly when they are shorter in duration and nurse-led. What is known:•Parental involvement is essential in managing chronic illnesses in children and adolescents.•Family-centered interventions can improve adherence, psychological well-being, and coping skills. What is new:•This review and meta-analysis show that structured parental involvement interventions significantly improve quality of life, especially when short-term and nurse-led.•Findings highlight the stronger impact in lower-middle-income countries, emphasizing equity in pediatric chronic care.
Kunthamas et al. (Thu,) studied this question.