# Predictors of Parent-Reported Health-Related Quality of Life in Young Children with Early Brain Damage and Severe Motor Dysfunction

## TL;DR

This study identifies factors that predict parents' reports of quality of life in young children with brain damage and motor issues.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into which functional skills most strongly predict HRQOL in this specific population.

## Key findings

- Better adaptive skills and gross motor function were the strongest predictors of higher HRQOL.
- Postural control and communication also predicted higher parent-reported HRQOL.
- The findings support a multidimensional understanding of health aligned with the ICF-CY framework.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to identify predictors of parent-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in young children with early brain damage and severe motor dysfunction. It used baseline data from the PIH Multi Study, a randomized controlled trial evaluating an intensive, family-centered habilitation program for preschool children and their parents. Methods: Parent-reported HRQOL were measured using the CPCHILD questionnaire. Potential predictors included adaptive function (PEDI-CAT), gross motor function (GMFM-66), postural control and balance (ECAB), and communication function (FOCUS). These were selected to reflect the domains of the ICF-CY framework. Data were collected by professionals and by parents. Linear regression analyses were conducted to identify significant predictors. Results: Analyses included 65 children. Better adaptive skills, gross motor function, postural control, and communication all predicted higher parent-reported HRQOL. Adaptive skills—particularly in self-care and mobility—and gross motor function emerged as the strongest predictors. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of targeting basic functional skills in early habilitation efforts for children with severe disabilities. The findings support a multidimensional understanding of health in line with the ICF-CY framework and underline the value of early, individualized, and family-centered interventions. Future research should investigate these predictors longitudinally and explore ways to integrate children’s own perspectives in assessment of HRQOL.