Plagiocephaly or positional head deformity has recently been cited as a common deformity of skull in infants with a prevalence rate increasing. The majority of these infants with severe or moderate deformity are referred for orthotic management using therapeutic helmet also known as molding helmet or cranial remodeling helmet. Typically, the duration of helmet therapy lasts for three to six months until an acceptable shape of the skull is achieved.


Although parenthood is considered to be one of the most fulfilling experiences, constant and tireless efforts to maintain the health of the infant put significant burden on parents. Unfortunately there are no studies available in the current literature on the quality of life of parents when their infant child is in the helmet therapy program.

In this project, the researchers describe the development of a parental quality of life questionnaire (PQofLQ) and factors that affect the life style of parents when their infant child is diagnosed with plagiocephaly and treated with a therapeutic helmet.

Objective:

The specific objective of the study is to assess parent's quality of life during helmet therapy and child care-taking.

Method:

A sample of convenience consisting of fifty infants between the age group of three to six months, diagnosed with plagiocephaly were selected. All subjects are referred to University of Michigan Orthotics and Prosthetics Center for therapeutic helmet. Infants with multiple diagnosis (chronic illness, CP, heart disease etc.) are excluded. A parental quality of life questionnaire (form 1, PQofLQ) devised specifically to measure the impact on parent's quality of life is administered during the initial visit and at the end of three months. The questionnaire consisted of 29 items identifying four major components i.e. sociodemographics, stress and anxiety, mood and emotion, and social impact. Significant predictors of parent's quality of life were examined using multiple regression analyses. The result of the questionnaire will therefore able to measure cumulative effect on parent's quality of life during the helmet therapy program.

The researchers feel that it is an essential component of helmet therapy to obtain the parent's own views during therapy and childcare taking.