Health-related quality of life and behavior of triplets at adolescent age

Abstract

Objectives: To assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and behavior of triplets compared with matched singletons at adolescent age and to identify medical and sociodemographic predictors of outcome.

Study design: Fifty-four triplets (19 sets, mean [SD] gestational age 32.0 [2.4] weeks, birth weight 1580 [450] g) and 51 gestational age-, birth weight-, and sex-matched singleton controls self-rated their HRQoL at age 14.5 (0.3) years. Proxy reports about HRQoL and behavior were obtained by parents and teachers. HRQoL was measured with the Kidscreen-52 questionnaire child and parent form, and behavior with the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist.

Results: Self- and parent-reported HRQoL values was similar in both groups except for the dimensions "mood and emotions" and "autonomy," which were better (P = .001, P = .03) in triplets. Parents reported significantly less behavioral problems in triplets compared with controls. Compared with community norms, both HRQoL and behavior measures in triplets were in the normal range. Parent-reported HRQoL was predicted by dichorionicity.

Conclusions: HRQoL and behavioral outcome in adolescent triplets was good in our study and was, in some aspects, better than in matched singleton controls. Dichorionicity is an important outcome determinant.