Depression and psychological burden in a sample of caregivers of children with CKD

Abstract

Background Studies have suggested that caregivers of patients with chronic illnesses experience higher rates of depression and burden than the general population. The Aim of this study To assess the rate of depression and psychological burden in caregivers of children with CKD and compare it with a healthy control group. Patients and Methods This is a case control comparative study conducted in El Demerdash pediatric hospital aimed at screening symptoms of depression and psychological burden in a sample of 30 cases of caregivers of children with CKD compared to 30 controls of caregivers, as well as socioeconomic stress as a factor for burden and depression. Results The current study confirmed that caregivers of children with chronic kidney disease have significantly more depression and psychological burden compared to their matched controls. Conclusion There is a high rate of depression and burden in caregivers of children with CKD which often go unnoticed and neglected.