Assessment of physical and psychosocial status of children with ESRD under regular hemodialysis, a single centre experience

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Children with end stage renal disease (ESRD) under regular hemodialysis suffer from various health problems that result either from the sequelae of disease itself or its various lines of therapy. The aim of this study is to clarify biodemographic characteristics, common complaints, and physical, and psychosocial status of children with ESRD under regular maintenance hemodialysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on forty children (13 males, 17 females) aged 6–16 years with ESRD under regular hemodialysis, selected from the Pediatric Nephrology Unit at Tanta University Hospitals. Three structured questionnaires were used that measured the biodemographic data of children and their parents, common complaints before and after the onset of hemodialysis, and a physical and psychosocial status assessment sheet comprising of nutritional habits, sleeping patterns, daily physical activities, school achievement, the emotional, behavioral and social aspects of children, and different social relationships. RESULTS: Most children with ESRD exhibited abnormal nutritional habits, disturbed sleep, decreased physical daily activities, impaired school achievement, and changing emotions and behaviors, and depressed social relationships. CONCLUSION: Common adverse effects of ESRD and hemodialysis in our center are inadequate nutritional status, abnormal sleep patterns, decreased physical activity, low school achievement, and psychosocial deterioration. RECOMMENDATIONS: Great efforts on the part of parents, pediatric nephrologists, nurses, psychologist, and school teachers are needed to improve the physical and psychosocial health of dialysis patients and thereby improve their quality of life.