Psychological and Social Status of Children Treated with Renal Dialysis and their Mothers at Tanta City

Abstract

Background and Aim: Renal dialysis treatment of children with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) poses various challenges including financial difficulties, social challenges and psychological problems. Parents frequently face financial difficulties as they require more time off work and cannot work overtime. Sickness of a child causes a decline in the financial and socioeconomic status of the family and also hampers its functionality. Moreover, care for those children involves considerable psychological and social stress. This study aimed to assess psychological and social condition of children treated with renal dialysis and their mothers. Materials and Method:The research was conducted on children with End-stage renal disease (ESRD) treated with renal dialysis and their mothers. The total studied population in this study was 40 child and their mothers (N= 40). One tool was used to collect data about the children illness and socio-demographic characteristics. Children psychological and social status is assessed using the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL)and their parents the PedsQL-proxy version. Mothers health, social, and psychological data were collected using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and Berlin Social Support Scales(BSSS).Result: Children psychological and social status were significantly low as reported by the children or the mothers who provide primary care for APD children. The mothers perceived available and actually received support is low. Overall score of General Health Questionnaire of the mothers was very high by median and quartile 17 (15)(16)(17)(18).Conclusions: Children psychological and social status were low according to PedsQL test. The family of children with renal dialysis need financial support. Mothers who provide primary care to children on renal dialysis require emotional support and assistance in self fulfillment. The mothers have high GHQ-12 scoring which means that they are have greater chance for increase of non-psychotic mental disorders. There is a strong need to provide continuous psychological care for caregivers.