Abstract

Hydrocephalus can impact all areas of health, including physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning. Etiology can be a major factor in health outcomes, but prior research on psychosocial functioning in hydrocephalus has been with limited etiologies. This study examined psychosocial functioning using the Behavioral Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3) and the Hydrocephalus Outcome Questionnaire (HOQ) in children aged 5-17 years old. BASC-3 and HOQ parent report scores were compared between hydrocephalus etiologies. Medical factors (number of CSF diversion procedures, history of seizures, and years with hydrocephalus) and SES factors (family income, parent education, and parent occupational status) were examined as potential predictors for psychosocial outcomes. BASC-3 attention and executive functioning and HOQ social-emotional scales differed between etiologies. Years with hydrocephalus and a history of seizures were significant predictors for some BASC-3 scales and the HOQ social-emotional scale. SES variables did not predict any psychosocial outcomes examined. These results provide evidence that children who have had surgery for their hydrocephalus may be at increased risk of psychosocial difficulties, and that etiology and medical history may be contributing factors.

Degree

PhD

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Psychology

Rights

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