Managing complex pooled international cohort data in Stata: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes following injury in childhood and adolescence using EuroQol (EQ-5D) responses with pooled longitudinal data

Injury is a leading contributor to the global disease burden in children, affecting their health-related quality of life (HRQoL), yet valid estimates of burden are absent. This study pooled longitudinal data from 5 international cohort studies of pediatric injury survivors (517 years) (n = 2334). HRQoL postinjury was measured using the 3-level EQ-5D utility score (EQ-5D) and 5 binary health states (mobility, self-care, activity, pain, anxiety and depression [anxiety]). The complexities of pooling complex international longitudinal data included varying inclusion and exclusion criteria, time points (baseline, 1, 4, 6, 12, and 24 months) and measurements of diagnosis and EQ-5D. The use of various Stata tools enabled the smooth implementation and replication of this analysis. HRQ outcomes over time for children and adolescents postinjury were found to differ across key demographic and injury-related attributes. Results from this research were published and highlighted the importance of tailored interventions to respond to the varying postinjury recovery trajectories in this population.