Abstract
Rheumatic fever is predominantly disease of children aged 5-18 years. It is a generalized inflammatory response and an illness that selectively affects the heart, joints, brain and skin, which may have a profound impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of rheumatic fever on quality of life among school age children.Research design: A descriptive research design was used in carrying out this study. Setting: The study was conducted in cardiac outpatient clinics of Benha University Hospital and Health Insurance Hospital in Benha City.The sample:Purposive sample of 100 school age children with rheumatic fever and 25 primary school age children` mothers were chosen randomly from total (640). Tools:A structured interviewing questionnairesto assess the socio-demographic characteristics, medical history of school age children, knowledge about rheumatic fever, practices through asking questions to relieve rheumatic fever manifestations andquality of life.Results:Rheumatic fever was more prevalent among females than males. 45% of school age children were in preparatory level, 39 % of them had pass degree of scholastic achievement, the knowledge of school age children and primary school age children` mothers were poor.Conclusion:Less than two thirds of school age children had average total quality of life. There were highly statistically significant relations between number of rheumatic fever attacks and age of school age children and their school grade.Also, betweentotal knowledge of school age children and fever, carditis, erythema marginatum, and chorea.Also, between practices to relieve rheumatic fever manifestations of school age children and fever.Recommendations:Health education program should be given for school age children who had rheumatic fever and their mothers about periodic checkup for early detection and treatment of RF and improving quality of life.Further studies need to be focusing on improving quality of life of children with RFand to investigate the incidence and contributory factors leading to RF and the adequate intervention.
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