Social support and health-related quality of life children and adolescents : Focus Group Methodology : Metodologia Focus Group

Abstract

The present study has the following main objective, to characterize the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of children and adolescents attending the 5th grade and 7th grade in Portugal. The HRQoL will be assessed by analysing the children's and the adolescents' perception of their own HRQoL, by considering the parents' perception of their children's HRQoL and finally by considering the education professionals' perception of children' and adolescents' HRQoL. Was used a qualitative methodology and focus groups as methodology. The sample included 53 children and adolescents, 36 parents, 34 teachers and 17 educational assistants. 16 focus groups were developed. An interview guide was elaborated for the focus groups. The results of this research identified the HRQoL risk groups, namely girls, adolescents (the older group), pupils with low SES, pupils from the community of countries with Portuguese language and pupils with chronic disease. The results revealed that the HRQoL in children and adolescents is influenced by physic health factors, psychological and social factors and by health behaviours. However psychological factors demonstrated a higher effect, either regarding a direct or indirect impact, in the HRQoL of children and adolescents. Were present suggestions and implications for HRQoL intervention and promotion, regarding an ecological and developmental approach