Quality of Life among Children Suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

The diagnosis of a child's chronic kidney disease is a stressful event for parents especially the mother who is considered to be a main caregiver for the child (Arici, 2014) Parental responses to the diagnosis of their child's chronic kidney commonly include disbelief, denial, anger, frustration and confusion. Mothers of the chronic kidney experience stressors which are usually multiple and ongoing as they confront stressors at the time of diagnosis and during the developmental transition. Community health nurses must be aware of the ongoing responses, needs and quality of life of the chronic kidney child and his/her mother (Sharma, 2013). Aim of study:- The aim of the current study was to assess quality of life among children suffering from chronic kidney disease. Setting:- The study was conducted in the pediatric nephrology clinic and the pediatric conservative nephrology clinic of the pediatric dialysis unit at Ain Shams University Children Hospital. Sampling Technique:- Sample of the study involved 164 children suffering from CKD and their mothers from both sexes, with ages at 4-12years. Data Collection:- Data obtained through an interview with the chronic kidney children and their accompanying mothers through using the following tools: The first tool: • Child assessment questionnaire was developed by investigator and it was written in simple Arabic language, it included the following: • Socio-demographic data of children include age, gender, school age and child rank. • Socio-demographic data of mothers and fathers include age, educational level and occupation. • Environmental assessment for children living in. • Data regarding the child's medical history.