Publication:

Quality of life and predictors of poor quality of life among children with heart disease in Lagos, Nigeria

Background Children with heart disease (HD) experience significant morbidity beyond cardiovascular complications, including impaired growth, recurrent hospitalizations, and reduced quality of life (QoL). While studies in Africa have examined caregivers’ burden, limited data exist on QoL among children themselves, particularly those with acquired heart disease (AHD). The aim was to assess the QoL of children with HD in Lagos, Nigeria, and identify predictors of poor QoL.

Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 140 children aged 7–16 years: 70 with HD and 70 age-, sex-, and socio-economic status-matched healthy controls attending Lagos State University Teaching Hospital between February and August 2024. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered proforma and the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™ 4.0), both child- and parent-reported versions. A total score <70% was classified as poor QoL. Statistical analysis was performed with statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) v24, using chi-square and logistic regression to identify independent predictors.

Results Poor QoL was significantly more common among children with HD than controls (65.7% versus 4.3%, p<0.001). The most impaired domain was physical functioning. Children with AHD had the highest prevalence of poor QoL (90%), followed by cyanotic CHD. Absence of definitive cardiac surgery and multiple hospitalizations were identified as independent predictors of poor QoL. Anthropometric deficits and lower oxygen saturation were also associated with poorer scores.

Conclusion Children with HD in Lagos experience a high burden of impaired QoL, particularly those with AHD and cyanotic CHD. Routine QoL assessment, timely surgical intervention, and integrated psychosocial support are recommended to improve holistic outcomes.