Abstract
The treatment of adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a relatively new procedure and surprisingly little is known about the effect of the disorder on the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Such studies as have attempted to assess quality of life in this group have been limited by very small samples and, often, inappropriate measures.
This paper describes the initial development of a measure of quality of life designed specifically for growth hormone deficient adults and the results of qualitative interviews with patients who were encouraged to discuss the impact of the deficiency and any effects of treatment from their own perspective. These interviews brought to light previously unreported material and indicated important differences between those individuals who acquired growth hormone deficiency in childhood and those who developed it as adults. A questionnaire based upon this material has been produced and tested for use in several countries including England, Spain, Belgium, Italy, and Sweden.
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