Health-related quality of life and its determinants among children with congenital heart defects in Lagos, Nigeria: a comparative cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: The health-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: This study found lower HRQoL scores in children with CHDs compared with healthy controls, an association that underscores the potential importance of holistic care approaches addressing medical, surgical, and social support needs in this population.