Quality of Life (QoL) and Depression Among Children With End Stage Renal Disease Attending Hemodialysis Units in Gaza Strip

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life (QoL) and depression among children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis in the Gaza strip compared to the control group of children with chronic medical problems attending the same hospitals. Methodology: The study sample consisted of children diagnosed with ESRD (N=47) and a control group of children with chronic medical problems attending the same hospitals (N=95). Data collection was performed using sociodemographic scale, medical status checklist, QoL questionnaire and the birleson depression self-rating scale (DSRS) in a face-to-face interview. Results:The results showed that prevalence of depression reported in children with ESRD was 20.13% and for the control group was 12.63%. The study showed that the mean total QoL for end stage renal (ESR) failure in children was 48.98 relative to 52.75 SD for the control group. There were statistically significant differences in the QoL among the control group children. Physical functioning mean for ESR failure was 14.02% and for the control group was 21.24%. There were statistically significant differences in physical functioning for the group being studied. Emotional functioning for ESR failure was 14.04% and the control mean was 9.68%. There were statistically significant differences in emotional functioning in the control group. Social functioning mean in ESR failure was 9.96% and 8.32% for the control group. There were statistically significant differences in social functioning towards the ESR failure. School functioning mean in ESR failure was 11.38% and 12.77 % for the control group. There were statistically significant differences in school functioning in the control group. Conclusion: The findings of the study showed that the ESRD have positive perceptions about their QoL (emotional, social), negative perception towards physical functioning and school, compared to the control group who have positive perception about physical functioning, school and their QoL and negative perception towards social and emotional functioning, and indicate a higher incidence of depression among ESRD relative to the control group.