Distress, anxiety, and its correlates among caregivers of children with kidney diseases during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

Abstract

Background : The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a significant amount of psychological burden in the form of stress, anxiety, uncertainty, depression, anger, and helplessness. The caregivers of children with chronic diseases in particular are at a higher risk of mental stress and burden. Material and Methods : We conducted an online survey among caregivers of children with kidney diseases to assess the psychosocial impact of COVID-19. The psychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their mental health was assessed through standardized psychological scales (Peritraumatic Distress Inventory, Insomnia Severity Scale [ISI], Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale [DASS], and Positive and Negative Aspect Scale) and a semi-structured interview was conducted telephonically. Results : A total of 200 caregivers participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 36±5.56 years, and 76% were males. Participants experienced maximum distress in terms of life threat (6.27±4.64), followed by helplessness and anger (2.66±1.65). Among participants, 38% of them exhibited significant distress. The majority scored below the cut-off on positive affect (98%), and thus could not experience positive emotions and interaction, and 37.5% of participants were feeling significant negative affect. On the ISI, 38.5% of participants experienced significant sleep problems. On the DASS, 65% of participants exhibited significant stress, 76% anxiety, and 78.5% depression. Conclusion : A high prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression along with insomnia was detected among the caregivers of children with kidney diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the kidney community: lessons learned and future directions

“…During the pandemic, this often-unseen care burden has been experienced disproportionately by families struggling with adverse social determinants of health and health disparities. Caregivers of children with kidney disease reported feelings of stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia during the pandemic, mirroring findings in parents of children with other chronic conditions 117 , 118 . Children with medical complexities have lost access to therapies, educational services and peer interactions, all while parents and caregivers have taken on additional responsibilities to navigate changes in employment and keeping their families healthy 119 .…”

Relationships between care burden, resilience, and depressive symptoms among the main family caregivers of stroke patients: A cross-sectional study

“…COVID-19-related financial distress and work impairment were also associated with higher symptom levels of depression ( 48 ). A recent study ( 49 ) showed that 78.5% of caregivers of children with kidney diseases reported depressive symptoms during the pandemic, which was 32.8–48.3% higher than those in previous studies ( 50 , 51 ). Meanwhile, the incidence of subjective depressive symptoms increased from 5.9 to 60% among caregivers of patients with dementia ( 52 ).…”

Saúde mental dos pacientes renais crônicos frente a pandemia Covid-19

“…Ainda diante da evidência trazida através do estudo (21) , a respeito da hemodiálise, a pesquisa (23) Em concordância com os dados apresentados anteriormente, o estudo (26) investigou que a grande maioria dos pacientes Em contradição aos estudos trazidos nesse tópico, a pesquisa (18) realizou uma análise…”