Refereed journal article or data article (A1)

Association of allergic diseases with children’s life satisfaction: population-based study in Finland




List of AuthorsLeena Haanpää, Piia af Ursin, Merja Nermes, Anne Kaljonen, Erika Isolauri

PublisherBMJ Journals

Publication year2018

JournalBMJ Open

Volume number8

Issue number3

Start page1

End page6

Number of pages6

ISSN2044-6055

eISSN2044-6055

DOIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019281

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/30246004


Abstract

Objective To assess the impact of allergic diseases on the subjective well-being and life satisfaction of primary-school children.

Design Population-based cohort.

Setting Finnish sample of children ages 10 and 12 from the International Survey of Children’s Well-Being.

Participants Nationally representative sample of 1947 school children.

Main outcome measure
Two different instruments to assess the child’s own perception of
well-being, the short version of the Student Life Satisfaction Scale
(SLSS) and the Brief Multidimensional Student Life Satisfaction Scale
(BMSLSS).

Results
Altogether, 51.4% of children reported having at least one allergic
condition (10.1% asthma, 23.8% eczema and 40.3% seasonal allergic
rhinitis). A statistically significant distinction in life satisfaction
emerged between non-allergic and allergic children (inferior in the
latter). In particular, children with eczema were more likely to report a
reduction in life satisfaction compared with non-allergic children
(SLSS β=−128.220; BMSLSS β=−90.694; p<0.01). Apart from freedom from
eczema, good life satisfaction was associated with a physically active
lifestyle.

Conclusions
Active allergic disease reduces the child’s own perception of
well-being. During clinical visits, more attention should be paid to the
child’s psychosocial status and impairments, which may differ
substantially from those of parents or medical authorities.


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Last updated on 2022-07-04 at 16:49