Table 1.
Items used to measure impact of AOM episode on the QOL of children and their caregivers during last AOM episode
| Children's domains | Items |
|---|---|
| Physical suffering | Physical pain, for example pain and discomfort in the ear, fluid leaking from the ear, fever, etc. Would you say this was a <*> problem for your child? |
| Hearing loss | A reduction in hearing, for example, difficulty hearing, having to repeat questions you would ask him/her, the child would often ask "what", playing the TV very loud. Would you say that this was a <*> problem for your child? |
| Sleeping | Lack of sleep, difficulty waking up, etc. Would you say this was a <*> problem for your child? |
| Emotional distress | Emotional distress, for example irritability, sadness, restlessness. Would you say this was <*> problem for your child? |
| Activity limitations | Limitations in his/her activities, for example, playing less, doing fewer things with friends/family, not going to school or daycare, etc. Would you say this was a <*> problem for your child? |
| Appetite | Loss of appetite or nausea. Would you say this was a <*> problem for your child? |
| Children Overall QOL | How would you rate your child's quality of life during the last case of ear infection? <**> |
| Caregivers' domains | Items |
| Sleeping | Sleep difficulties, such as lack of sleep or difficulty waking up? Would you say this was a <*> problem for you? |
| Changing daily activities | Changes in daily activities such as housework, shopping, time spent with other children, etc. Would you say this was a <*> problem for you? |
| Cancelling of family activities | Cancelling family activities such as trips, vacations, outings, etc. Would you say this was a <*> problem for you? |
| Caregiver emotional distress | Emotional distress, such as, for example, feeling anger, irritability, frustration or sadness. Would you say this was a <*> problem for you? |
| Caregiver concerns | Concerns, for example, feeling worried, anxious or powerless. Would you say this was a <*> problem for you? |
| Overall QOL | How would you rate your quality of life during your child's last case of ear infection? <**> |
*very significant, significant, not very significant, not at all significant
**very good, good, average, poor, very poor