Preference-based Health Utilities Index scores for childhood conditions

There is a paucity of published utility data for childhood health states, illnesses and conditions. This is largely explained by the methodological problems encountered when applying preference-based approaches to the measurement of the health status of children. These include identifying the appropriate respondents for descriptions and valuations of childhood health status; potential sources of bias in the description and valuation processes; and the psychometric integrity of alternative measurement approaches.

This study analyses data from a Sport England funded study entitled "Disability Survey 2000: Survey of Young People with a Disability and Sport" to give estimates of the health-related quality of life and health utilities associated with a range of disabilities and clinical conditions during childhood. These data become a resource for cost-effectiveness researchers operating in the paediatric field.

Publication

Petrou, S and Kupek, E (2009). Estimating preference-based health utilities index mark 3 utility scores for childhood conditions in England and Scotland. Med Decis Making, 29(3):291-303