Abstract
The purpose of this article is to discuss different aspects of quality of life (QOL) in children: a) QOL related to health promotion and disease prevention during childhood, b) factors that influence children's QOL, c) how to assess information on children's QOL, d) how nurses can use knowledge about QOL. QOL is described according to Lindstrom's model of QOL in children. It consists of four spheres: global, environmental, interpersonal and personal. Different aspects of these are discussed and especially how they affect QOL. It is shown that personal and interpersonal aspects are most important to a child's subjective well-being. Global and environmental factors do not correlate as strongly with wellbeing, but are seen as important prerequisites for children's QOL. To obtain valid information on children's QOL is a big challenge. Children (0–18 years) go through different stages of development, which means that it is essential to be fully aware of these stages. Since small children have limitations in both expressing and understanding written or spoken language, we need methods that take this into account. Little research exists on children's QOL, probably because of the methodological challenges involved. However, this should not prevent us from devoting more attention to it in future, both clinically and in research.