Psychological Assessment in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease on Regular Hemodialysis

Abstract

Introduction: Interestingly, health care professionals have the tendency to focus on the biological dimension of the disease or other technical issues related to hemodialysis machine and usually underestimate symptoms from mental sphere. Encouraging patients to express their feelings and addressing their psychological needs may be an essential measure to confront with this debilitating disease. Aim of Study: The objective of our study were to assess the presence, possible factors related and consequences of psychological disorders in children with CKD on regular hemodialysis. Methods: This study was cross sectional study which carried out in nephrology unit of the pediatric department during the period from February 2021 to January   2022.It were comprised (141) children with CKD on regular hemodialysis of both sexes after obtaining informed consent from children's parents. All patients were subjected to history (age, sex, residence, birth order, level of education, socioeconomic status), examination and specific investigations. Results: This study showed that, a male predominance. Regarding anxiety grade, mild were 18 (12.8%), moderate were 54 (38.3%) and severe were 69 (48.9%). Regarding depression grade, mild were 50 (35.5%), moderate were 54 (38.3%), and severe were 19 (13.5%) while no depression was found among 18 (12.8%). There were statistically significant positive correlations between anxiety score and duration of dialysis. There were statistically significant positive correlations between anxiety score and depression score. Conclusion: Frequency of anxiety and depression is high in CKD Patients. There were statistically significant positive correlations between anxiety score and depression score.