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dc.contributor.authorStrugnell, A.
dc.contributor.authorLeonard, H.
dc.contributor.authorEpstein, A.
dc.contributor.authorDowns, Jennepher
dc.date.accessioned2020-07-22T03:05:05Z
dc.date.available2020-07-22T03:05:05Z
dc.date.issued2019
dc.identifier.citationStrugnell, A. and Leonard, H. and Epstein, A. and Downs, J. 2019. Using directed-content analysis to identify a framework for understanding quality of life in adults with Rett syndrome. Disability and Rehabilitation.
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/80098
dc.identifier.doi10.1080/09638288.2019.1610801
dc.description.abstract

Purpose: Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder mainly affecting females and is caused by a mutation in the MECP2 gene. Recent research identified the domains of quality of life (QOL) important for children with RTT but there has been no investigation of domains important for adults. This qualitative study explored QOL in adults with RTT and compared domains with those previously identified for children. Methods: The sample comprised parents and/or primary caregivers of 20 adults, aged 18–38 years, who were registered with the Australian Rett Syndrome Database. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted to investigate aspects of life that were observed to be satisfying or challenging. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis, based on existing QOL domains for children with RTT that related to health and wellbeing, daily activities, and community immersion and services. Results: Each of the domains identified for children with RTT was represented in the adult dataset, with no new domains emerging. Conclusion: This is the first study to identify QOL domains important for adults with RTT. Health and therapy needs are ongoing during adulthood but services may be limited. Findings will guide choice of an appropriate QOL measure for this group.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Knowing the important domains of quality of life enables clinicians and service providers to systematically review and address key management issues. Despite a high level of dependency and sometimes poor health, parent caregivers perceive potential for strong quality of life in adulthood. Services that maintain functional skills and health throughout the lifespan are valued for their support of quality of life in adults with Rett syndrome.

dc.languageEnglish
dc.publisherTAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
dc.subjectScience & Technology
dc.subjectLife Sciences & Biomedicine
dc.subjectRehabilitation
dc.subjectRett syndrome
dc.subjectquality of life
dc.subjectqualitative research
dc.subjectneurodevelopmental disability
dc.subjectCEREBRAL-PALSY
dc.subjectCHILDREN
dc.subjectADOLESCENTS
dc.subjectWOMEN
dc.subjectDISABILITY
dc.subjectSEVERITY
dc.subjectCRITERIA
dc.subjectGIRLS
dc.subjectMECP2
dc.subjectCARE
dc.titleUsing directed-content analysis to identify a framework for understanding quality of life in adults with Rett syndrome
dc.typeJournal Article
dcterms.source.issn0963-8288
dcterms.source.titleDisability and Rehabilitation
dc.date.updated2020-07-22T03:05:05Z
curtin.departmentSchool of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science
curtin.accessStatusOpen access
curtin.facultyFaculty of Health Sciences
curtin.contributor.orcidDowns, Jennepher [0000-0001-7358-9037]
dcterms.source.eissn1464-5165
curtin.contributor.scopusauthoridDowns, Jennepher [35336321200]


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