Abstract
We investigated the influence of general self-efficacy perceived by adolescents with chronic conditions and parents on quality
of life. This cross-sectional study used the general self-efficacy scale and DISABKIDS condition-generic module to survey
adolescents (92/293; 31 %) with type I diabetes, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, kidney/urological conditions,
and neuromuscular disorders; and parents (121/293; 41 %). Self perceived and parents’ perceived general self-efficacy of adolescents
was compared using paired t-tests, and adolescents’ quality of life and general self-efficacy were compared among conditions
using analysis of variance. Bivariate correlations between general self-efficacy and quality of life were identified, and
multiple regression sought predictors of quality of life after controlling for background variables. Social quality of life
was lowest among those with neuromuscular disorders. General self-efficacy was highest among adolescents with cystic fibrosis
and lowest among those with urological conditions. Parents’ perceptions of general self-efficacy were higher than adolescents’
(p ≤ 0.05), although absolute differences were small. General self-efficacy perceived by parents and adolescents was related
to emotional, physical, and social quality of life. Adolescents’ perceived self-efficacy predicted all quality of life domains.
Parents’ perceptions of the adolescents self-efficacy predicted the adolescents’ social quality of life (β = 0.19; p ≤ 0.01). General self-efficacy of adolescents with chronic conditions as perceived by themselves and their parents is important
for adolescents’ quality of life. Interventions to improve general self-efficacy should benefit quality of life among these
adolescents.
of life. This cross-sectional study used the general self-efficacy scale and DISABKIDS condition-generic module to survey
adolescents (92/293; 31 %) with type I diabetes, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, kidney/urological conditions,
and neuromuscular disorders; and parents (121/293; 41 %). Self perceived and parents’ perceived general self-efficacy of adolescents
was compared using paired t-tests, and adolescents’ quality of life and general self-efficacy were compared among conditions
using analysis of variance. Bivariate correlations between general self-efficacy and quality of life were identified, and
multiple regression sought predictors of quality of life after controlling for background variables. Social quality of life
was lowest among those with neuromuscular disorders. General self-efficacy was highest among adolescents with cystic fibrosis
and lowest among those with urological conditions. Parents’ perceptions of general self-efficacy were higher than adolescents’
(p ≤ 0.05), although absolute differences were small. General self-efficacy perceived by parents and adolescents was related
to emotional, physical, and social quality of life. Adolescents’ perceived self-efficacy predicted all quality of life domains.
Parents’ perceptions of the adolescents self-efficacy predicted the adolescents’ social quality of life (β = 0.19; p ≤ 0.01). General self-efficacy of adolescents with chronic conditions as perceived by themselves and their parents is important
for adolescents’ quality of life. Interventions to improve general self-efficacy should benefit quality of life among these
adolescents.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s11205-012-0110-0
- Authors
- Jane M. Cramm, Institute of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Mathilde M. H. Strating, Institute of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Marij E. Roebroeck, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Physical Therapy, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Anna P. Nieboer, Institute of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University, P.O. Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Journal Social Indicators Research
- Online ISSN 1573-0921
- Print ISSN 0303-8300