Health-related quality of life by allergy symptoms in elementary school students

Background: Globally, allergic diseases are very common in childhood and may affect children's quality of life This study aimed to explore health related quality of life of elementary school students with allergy symptoms using the EO-5D-Y and to examine the validity and feasibility of the EQ-5D-Y. Methods: The study subjects were the students within 50 elementary schools which voluntarily participated in research project in this sample population, the EQ-5D-Y questionnaire was self administered by the students, and demographic and health information were collected from the student's parents The paients' information was used to investigate the proportion of students with allergic symptoms (wheezing, runny or blocked nose, and itchy rash) in the past 12 months In addition, we analyzed the correlation of symptom reporting and EQ-5D-Y including EQ VAS. Results: The overall return was 9117 responses, of which 198 (2.2%) lacked responses on the EQ-5D-Y dimension and 1258 (13.8%) on the VAS score There were significant differences in symptom reporting in all EQ-5D-Y dimensions between groups with or without allergic symptoms Particularly, there was a large difference in reporting rates in having pain or discomfort' and feeling worried, sad or unhappy' dimensions As the number of allergic symptoms increased, in all dimensions also the problem reporting rate tended to increase. Conclusions: As expected, the presence of allergic symptoms is inversely correlated with the quality of life of children The EQ-5D-Y instrument proved to be useful in terms of feasibility and construct validity in assessing the quality of life of Korean elementary school students.