Analysis of Health-Related Quality of Life among School-Going Children: A Cross-Sectional Study from Tehsil Faisalabad

Abstract

Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) is a multidimensional construct which represents children's physical, psychological and overall health. Analyzing HRQoL during childhood is important because health-related experiences can influence children's daily functioning, participation, learning, and emotional development. The current study was meant to evaluate the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of school going children conducted by a cross sectional survey design at Tehsil Faisalabad. The number of mothers participating in the study was 120 families of Colony Punjab Government Servant Housing Society, Faisalabad. The housing society consisted of 1200 residential units, 1020 households were screened for presence of children age 6-14 years and were identified as eligible. Information was collected through a structured questionnaire on children's nutritional status, sleep quality, physical activity and psychological conditions. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques namely weighted scores, mean, standard deviation and ranking. The results indicated that the highest mean score in the nutritional status was for having breakfast before going to school (Mean = 4.60) and the highest score for the sleep indicator was for 'adequate sleep' (Mean = 4.07). Physical activity (Mean = 4.22) was most highly enjoyed in physical activity and in outdoor play. Academic Worry (Mean= 3.00), Frustration in stressful situations (Mean = 2.92), and Nervousness before examinations (Mean = 2.91) were the top three concerns for psychological well-being. However, the results suggest that the parents and schools should have to keep focus on children’s positive dietary habits, sleep and physical activity habits, with a stronger focus needed on the psychological health, especially those pertaining to academic life.