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      Impacts for Children Living with Genetic Muscle Disorders and their Parents - Findings from a Population-Based Study.

      Jones, Kelly; O'Grady, Gina; Rodrigues, Miriam J.; Ranta, Anna; Roxburgh, Richard H.; Love, Donald R.; Theadom, Alice; MD-PREV study group
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      Jones et al 2018 Impacts for children with genetic muscle disorder_published copy.pdf
      Published version, 162.8Kb
      DOI
       10.3233/JND-170287
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      Permanent link to Research Commons version
      https://hdl.handle.net/10289/15642
      Abstract
      BACKGROUND: Genetic muscle disorders, including muscular dystrophies, congenital myopathies, and ion channel muscle diseases can be associated with significant disability.

      OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore child and parent perspectives of the impact of living with a genetic muscle disorder.

      METHODS: Eighty-three children (<16 years) with a clinical or molecular diagnosis were identified as part of a national prevalence study. Parents' experiences and needs were assessed using a study-specific questionnaire. Additional outcome measures included parent and child self-report versions of the Behavior Assessment System for Children and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Parents also completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Activlim.

      RESULTS: Sixty-four percent of families had a combined annual household income below $60,000 NZD ($43,650 USD), being less than the national median income of $73,000 NZD ($53,112 USD). Parents reported needing more support than they were currently receiving (40%), particularly with household chores (23%) and transportation (17%). Few parents (13%) or children (4%) reported significant child behavioral difficulties. Risks of impaired quality of life were high (parent proxy 71%, child report 70%), and associated with co-morbid health conditions (p = 0.008), functional status (p = 0.001), wheelchair use (p = 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (p = 0.01).

      CONCLUSIONS: Findings are relevant to those involved in the care and support of children, and their families, who are impacted by genetic muscle disorders. Targeted guidelines are required to inform the provision of services, alongside promotion of existing community services to improve access to financial support, and assistance with day-to-day functioning. Future research should examine intervention and treatment options aimed at maximising affected children's quality of life.
      Date
      2018
      Type
      Journal Article
      Rights
      This is an author’s preprint version of an article published in Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases. ©2018 IOS Press.
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      • Science and Engineering Papers [3142]
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