Effect of Mobile Based Health- Education on Quality of Life among Children with Chronic Kidney Diseases during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the major health problems affecting children morbidity and mortality. Quality of life (QOL) has become a field of extensive research involving children, so the use of mobile based education for those children is very important to improve their health and QOL. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mobile based health -education on the quality of life among children with chronic kidney diseases during COVID-19 Pandemic. Design: A quasi-experimental design (pre/post-test) was utilized. Sample: A purposive sample of 50 children suffering from chronic kidney diseases was selected. Setting: The study was conducted in the Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Outpatient clinic of pediatric nephrology at Mansoura University Hospital. Tools: Tool (I) Interviewing questionnaire which included two parts (1) demographic characteristics of children with chronic kidney diseases (2) children' knowledge questionnaire regarding chronic kidney diseases, and Tool (II) The Arabic Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) is used to assess the children's quality of life (PedsQL) 4.0 Generic Core Scales (GCS). Results: The present study revealed that the mean age of children is 10.9 ± 2.1 years, there was a highly statistically significant difference in improvement in children's knowledge after using mobile based health education intervention in all tested areas. There was a statistically significant difference in the children's quality of life domain, knowledge regarding chronic kidney diseases post-intervention compared to pre-intervention. There is a statistical significance relation concerning levels of quality of life, and the demographic data of children with CKD p<0.05. Conclusion: Mobile based health education had a positive effect on improving the quality of life of children with CKD. Recommendations: Mobile based health education can be integrated to home care and follow up for children with CKD at the health care settings.