Perceived Stress and Quality of Life for Children with Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a progressive and challenging condition in children, often leading to significant impairment in their quality of life (QoL) and psychological well-being. Aim: To assess perceived stress and quality of life for children with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. Subjects and method were (60) children on hemodialysis from 6 to 18 years' old, enrolled at pediatric hemodialysis units in Assiut University Children's Hospital. Three tools were used to, which included structured interview questionnaire for personal and medical data, pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL™ 4.0Generic core scale) and perceived stress level scale. Results: It was found that the all domain of QoL was affected in CKD children and the children physical function is more dominated one (119.16667) while social function is less affected (215.41667). The majority (71.67%) of studied children had high stress level compared to only (6.67%) of children had low stress level. Conclusion: children with CKD undergoing hemodialysis had poor QoL and high perceived stress. Recommendation: The study recommended that provide cooperation of parents, pediatric nephrologists, nurses and psychologist to improve the QoL and psychological condition of children under hemodialysis.