Is coronavirus pandemic‐related anxiety higher in children with chronic kidney disease than healthy children?

Abstract

Background: Since the emergence and worldwide spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it has caused people to experience adverse psychological effects. This study aimed to assess anxiety levels during COVID-19 in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including nephrotic syndrome (NS) and kidney transplantation (Tx). Methods: A case-controlled, cross-sectional study was conducted with children aged 10-18 years, who had a diagnosis of CKD or NS, or Tx, and followed in our center between April and July 2020. A healthy control group was recruited with age-and gender-matched children. A questionnaire with printed and online versions was designed in three parts: the first addressed demographic characteristics, the second addressed opinions about the pandemic, and the third was the Turkish version of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale -Child Version. Results: A total of 88 children completed the questionnaire. The patient and control groups were similar in terms of gender, age, household members and history of psychiatric treatment. Both groups stated that coronavirus is a risky disease for children (63.6%), and that they were afraid of contagion (69.3%). Only half of them were receiving realistic and informative answers from family members. In the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale -Child Version, 66% of them received a high score on at least one subscale. The social phobia scores of the control group were higher than those of the patient group, although the proportion of high scores was similar in both groups. The ratio of high-scored participants was higher in CKD patients for panic disorder, and was lower in the immunosuppressive agent group for social phobia. Conclusion:The current COVID-19 pandemic is a disaster that children encounter for the first time in their lives. It does not exclusively cause anxiety among children with chronic kidney diseases but also affects healthy children.

Mental disorders in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease: a first screening study conducted in Paraguay

“…Notably, the COVID-19 pandemic has added a layer of complexity to the mental health landscape of children with CKD. Our findings suggest that pandemic-related stressors exacerbate existing mental health issues, a phenomenon also observed in broader pediatric populations with chronic diseases (6) .…”

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“…Pediatric patients receiving renal replacement therapy have been found to have high rates of depression (5) . Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened anxiety levels in children with CKD, highlighting their increased vulnerability to external stressors (6) .…”

Association of problems, coping styles, and preferred online activity with depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders in Turkish adolescents diagnosed with chronic kidney disease

“…However, the existence of psychological disorders such as social phobia, separation anxiety, and panic disorder has rarely been investigated. [11][12][13]. The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS) is a valid and confirmed cross-cultural assessment tool to assess anxiety, depression, and also other psychological disorders like obsessive behaviors, social phobia, separation anxiety, and panic disorder in childhood [14].…”