IMPACT OF INFECTIOUS AND ALLERGIC DISEASES ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE

Although there has been a dramatic decrease in infectious diseases which cause death and widespread misery, minor transient illnesses and chronic diseases continue to occur or have become more common. Although it is generally appreciated that these diseases have a great impact on the quality of life, few studies have been carried out to assess these impacts. Such studies are necessary in order to define our priorities for further research and/or applying our current knowledge with respect to prevention and therapy. The quality of life cannot be easily defined or described, as it is predicated upon criteria derived from some value system, which is obviously variable. Although terms associated with the quality of life are not easily understood or uniformly accepted, they are associated with many attitudes, behavioral or functional features which can, at least, in part be assessed to characterize personal and social living. The impact of disease upon them requires more intensive study, especially those diseases which may have covert consequences which can affect function and behavior. Acute illnesses in childhood may produce persistent subtle disability with far ranging impacts. Research in this area is promising although still in its infancy. © 1979.