Family impact and economic burden among caregivers of children with chronic kidney disease in Assiut, Egypt

Family management structural model for children with atopic dermatitis

PURPOSE

To construct a structural model of family management for children with atopic dermatitis.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Participants included primary caregivers of children aged 2-12 years who had received a medical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis and had been experiencing the condition for over three months. We used SPSS/WIN 26.0 to analyze the variables and AMOS 23.0 for structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

Family functioning resilience, social support, and family coping had significant direct effects on family management. Illness severity, illness duration, and family life difficulty indirectly influenced family management, demonstrating significant total effects. The severity and duration of atopic dermatitis, family life difficulty, family functioning resilience, social support, and family coping explained 78.9% of the model.

CONCLUSIONS

The final model was suitable for predicting family management for children with atopic dermatitis. By confirming mediating effects, this study contributes to enhancing family management through nursing interventions. These findings offer valuable insights for developing family-centered nursing strategies to improve family management for children with atopic dermatitis.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Nursing interventions targeting the alleviation of family management challenges and enhancement of family functioning resilience, social support, and family coping are pivotal for improving the well-being of children with atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, tailored intervention development must take into account not only the severity and illness duration of atopic dermatitis in children but also the characteristics of the family. Improving family nursing through such tailored interventions can help enhance children's health and quality of life.

Catastrophic healthcare expenditure and caregiver burden in pediatric chronic kidney disease - a mixed methods study from a low resource setting

BACKGROUND

Caregivers of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in low resource settings must provide complex medical care at home while being burdened by treatment costs often paid out-of-pocket. We hypothesize that caregiver burden in our low resource setting is greater than reported from high income countries and is associated with frequent catastrophic healthcare expenditure (CHE).

METHODS

We conducted a mixed-methods study of primary caregivers of children with advanced CKD (stage 3b-5) in our private-sector referral hospital in a low resource setting. We assessed caregiver burden using the Pediatric Renal Caregiver Burden Scale (PRCBS) and measured financial burden by calculating the proportion of caregivers who experienced CHE (monthly out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure exceeding 10% of total household monthly expenditure). We performed a qualitative reflexive thematic analysis of caregiver interviews to explore sources of burden.

RESULTS

Of the 45 caregivers included, 35 (78%) had children on maintenance dialysis (25 PD, 10 HD). Mean caregiver burden score was 141 (± 17), greater than previously reported. On comparative analysis, PRCBS scores were higher among caregivers of children with kidney failure (p = 0.005), recent hospitalization (p = 0.03), non-earning caregivers (p = 0.02), caring for > 2 dependents (p = 0.009), and with high medical expenditure (p = 0.006). CHE occurred in 43 (96%) caregivers of whom 37 (82%) paid out-of-pocket. The main themes derived relating to caregiver burden were severe financial burden, mental stress and isolation, and perpetual burden of concern.

CONCLUSION

Parents of children with CKD experienced severe caregiver burden with frequent CHE and relentless financial stress indicating an imminent need for social support interventions.

Variations in Perceptions of Well-Being within Families of Youths with Intellectual Disabilities in Saudi Arabia

This study investigates the family well-being among Saudi Arabian families with youth who have an intellectual disability. A sample of 148 family members, including parents and other relatives, was surveyed on emotional well-being, family interactions, and parenting. This study aimed to explore the unique challenges and dynamics within these families, providing insights into how an intellectual disability in a youth affects the family unit. The research highlights a gap in understanding the specific impacts of intellectual disability on family life in the Saudi context. Key findings include variations in family quality of life perceptions among different family members, with fathers showing distinct levels of satisfaction. This study contributes to the development of culturally sensitive support strategies and policies, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to enhance the well-being of these families in Saudi Arabia.

Exploring Factors Associated with Quality of Life in Caregivers of Children and Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease and HIV: A Comparative Analysis

Introduction

Paediatric HIV and sickle cell disease (SCD) are two stigmatising and potentially fatal illnesses that place a significant burden on families. HIV patients benefit from a longstanding free-service national programme in Cameroon, and this could considerably alleviate burden of care on HIV caregivers, possibly leading to better quality of life (QoL) in HIV caregivers compared to SCD caregivers. Our study aimed to compare the QoL between caregivers of children and adolescents with SCD and HIV and explore factors associated with this QoL in Cameroon.

Methods and Materials

We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional analytic study at Douala Laquintinie Hospital from February to May 2023. A questionnaire was administered to caregivers of paediatric patients (≤18 years) with SCD and HIV. The Pediatrics Quality of Life-Family Impact Module (PedsQL FIM), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), and the 9-item Patient Health Question (PHQ-9) tools were used as measures of quality of life, anxiety, and depression, respectively. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine factors associated with quality of life. A significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Results

We included 199 caregivers: SCD = 104 and HIV = 95. The mean age of caregivers in our sample was 40.47 ± 10.18 years. Caregivers of paediatric patients with HIV had a better mean quality of life than SCD (93.01 ± 7.35SD versus 64.86 ± 9.20SD, p < 0.001). PHQ-9 score (B = -1.52, 95% CI = [-2.08; -0.96], p=<0.001), GAD-7 score (B = -1.46, 95% CI = [-2.09; -0.83], p=<0.001), spending less than 75 000 FCFA on medications monthly (B = 12.13, 95% CI = [5.73; 18.94], p=<0.001), and being a SCD caregiver (B = -11.62, 95% CI = [-18.46; -4.78], p=0.001) were factors independently associated with quality of life on multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

Quality of life is lower in caregivers of children and adolescents with SCD than with HIV. Preventing depression and anxiety as well as advocating for the subsidization of medications through a national SCD program may improve quality of life in SCD caregivers.

Methods used to account for caregivers' sex and gender within studies examining the financial burden of caregivers of children and adolescents : Results from a scoping review

Background

Interest in the financial burden of informal caregivers has been growing. Unfortunately, it remains unclear which method(s) should be used when quantifying this burden.

Purpose

We conducted a scoping review aimed at identifying which methods have been used to conduct such work and quantified their performance. We were also interested in examining how sex and gender considerations were considered within selected studies.

Data Sources

Using a standardized approach, we identified studies published between 2012 and 2022 that aimed to document the financial burden of caregivers to child and adolescent patients. Our search strategy was applied to the MEDLINE, Embase, CINHAL, and Academic Search Premier databases.

Study Selection

Manuscript selection was performed by pairs of reviewers.

Data Extraction

Data extraction was performed by one reviewer with a second reviewer performing quality control. Results were reported using a narrative approach.

Data Synthesis

We identified 9801 unique citations, of which 200 were included in our review. Selected studies covered various disease area (eg, infection/parasitic diseases [n = 31, 16%]) and included quantitative (n = 180, 90%), qualitative (n = 4, 2%) and mixed study designs (n = 16, 8%). Most studies (n = 182, 91%) used questionnaires/surveys, either alone or in combination with other methods, to assess caregivers' financial burden. Less than half (n = 93, 47%) of studies reported on caregivers' sex and none reported on their gender.

Conclusion

We conducted an unrestricted review of published studies examining caregiver's financial burden which allowed us to identify general methodological trends observed in this literature. We believe this work may help improve future studies focusing on this important issue.

Quality of Life Among Family Caregivers of Disabled Children in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

 The physical and mental health of parents can be adversely affected by their child's disability, leading to a potential decline in their overall Quality of Life (QoL). This research aimed to determine the QoL of family caregivers and compare this based on sociodemographic factors and child characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional design was employed, and data were collected from multiple rehabilitation centers for children with special needs and learning disorders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study sample comprised 95 family caregivers who completed a self-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included sections on sociodemographic characteristics, child characteristics, and caregivers' QoL assessed using the RAND 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The collected data were analyzed using the IBM Corp. Released 2022. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp, employing descriptive statistics and multivariate linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed that the overall mean QoL score among caregivers was 57, ranging from 12 to 94. There were no statistically significant differences in QoL scores based on caregivers' age, gender, occupational status, or income. However, further analysis indicated significant associations between certain factors and specific domains of QoL. Specifically, caregiver education was found to be associated with role limitations due to emotional problems, while relationships with disabled children were linked to emotional well-being. The severity of the child's disability and the presence of another child with a disability in the family were associated with the bodily pain domain. Additionally, the presence of another child with a disability had an impact on perceived change in the health domain.

CONCLUSIONS

The QoL of family caregivers varied, highlighting the significant challenges faced by certain individuals. Factors such as education level, the relationship with the child, the severity of the disability, and the presence of multiple disabled children in the family were identified as influencing caregivers' QoL. These findings emphasize the importance of developing targeted interventions that can address emotional well-being and fatigue management while promoting a supportive society.

Quality of Life, Physical and Mental Health, and Economic Evaluation of Family Caregivers of Chronic Dependent Children: INFAPRINT Cohort Study Protocol

BACKGROUND

Caregivers for children with complex chronic illnesses may experience emotional and physical strain, especially as concerns attention overload and the perceptions of their own psychosocial situation. These concerns, together with the additional financial cost and the socioeconomic inequalities that arise from caregiving responsibilities, create major challenges to the health status of this population group.

METHODS

A prospective analytical longitudinal study will be conducted, based on an exposed cohort of adult caregivers (parents or guardians) for children with complex chronic processes, to evaluate the impact of caregiving responsibilities on the health status of this population group.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The practical implications of this study are of great significance for clinical practice. The results of this study have the potential to inform the decision-making process in the healthcare sector and guide future research initiatives. The findings of this study will provide crucial insights into the health-related quality of life of caregivers of children with complex chronic illnesses, which will be valuable in addressing the challenges faced by this population group. This information can be used to improve the availability and accessibility of appropriate health services and to facilitate the development of more equitable health outcomes for caregivers of children with complex chronic illnesses. By highlighting the extent to which this population is affected both physically and mentally, the study can contribute to the development of clinical practices that prioritize the health and well-being of caregivers in the care of children with complex chronic illnesses.

Enabling flourishing: novel approaches in palliative medicine for children with advanced kidney disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Paediatric kidney disease results in considerable burden on children and their families. Paediatric palliative care is a holistic, family-centred care approach intended to enable flourishing and address the many impediments to life participation which advanced kidney disease can impose. To date, palliative care resources have been underutilized in paediatric nephrology. This review will highlight recent literature targeting the engagement and life participation of children with advanced kidney disease through implementation of novel palliative care approaches and propose directions for future research.

RECENT FINDINGS

Children with advanced kidney disease and their families highly value incorporation of their perspectives, particularly on life participation, within care plan development; but what it means to participate in life can be variable, and clinicians need improved tools to ascertain and incorporate these perspectives. Novel palliative care interventions developed for application in comparable disease states offer potential opportunities for paediatric nephrologists to support this goal.

SUMMARY

Children with advanced kidney disease and their families will benefit from incorporation of their perspectives and values, facilitated by palliative interventions.

Estimating Societal Cost of Illness and Patients' Quality of Life of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Egypt

OBJECTIVES

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a rare neuromuscular disease that causes substantial economic burden. This study aims to measure the DMD cost from societal perspective and the quality of life (QOL) of the Egyptian patients.

METHODS

We conducted interviews with caregivers of patients with DMD. The questionnaire included demographics, healthcare resource use, and nonmedical and indirect costs. Total disease burden was estimated with a bottom-up approach. QOL was measured with a disease-specific tool. Costs and utilities were stratified by the disease stage.

RESULTS

Caregivers of 97 patients with DMD were interviewed. The mean annual per-patient cost of $17 485 (SD ± 9240) was estimated resulting in a total burden of $138 217 043 in Egypt. Nonmedical costs made up the largest category representing 54% followed by medical then indirect costs. Informal care made the greatest contribution of nonmedical costs whereas physiotherapy was the largest medical subcategory. Nonmedical costs were highest in stage 3 and lowest at early stages whereas medical costs were almost steady among all stages with differences in individual subcategories. Of all medical costs, 95% were out of pocket. The mean utility score was 0.43 (± 0.31), which decreases with disease progression.

CONCLUSION

Our study quantified the huge economic burden of DMD on the society and how it differs in different stages. Almost the whole burden is paid by households resulting in catastrophic expenditures, which leads to reduced compliance and quality of care. QOL is also severely compromised. Our findings can inform future healthcare policies and economic evaluation of new DMD therapies.

Caregiver perspectives of dialysis initiation for children with kidney disease: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

To better support family-centered care surrounding dialysis initiation, greater understanding of caregiver experience is necessary.

METHODS

Using thematic analysis, we conducted a secondary analysis of semi-structured interview data from a qualitative study of caregivers of children receiving dialysis recruited from 3 pediatric centers. Prominent themes in caregiver experience of caring for a child initiating dialysis were identified.

RESULTS

Thirty-five caregivers participated. Three major themes emerged from qualitative analysis: (1) parenting disrupted - caregivers experienced an acute disruption in their parenting role due to the unexpected, emergent circumstances and vast information accompanying their child's diagnosis; (2) redefining parenting - caregivers sought to reestablish their innate parental role and foster their evolving medical provider role through reassurance that their child could survive, communication with the medical team, and engaging in care plan development; and (3) leveraging dual identities - to positively impact their child's experience and enable flourishing, caregivers leveraged their established caregiver role and newly realized medical provider role through voicing their perspectives, watching over their child's care, and preparing for future changes in their child's health. If caregivers' evolution was not nurtured and enabled, acute fluctuations in their child's care could contribute to future disruption and need to restore their parental role. However, if caregiver development was fostered, caregivers acquired increased ability to prepare for vacillations in their child's care.

CONCLUSIONS

Improving delivery of family-centered care and support of caregivers at dialysis initiation will require directed efforts by nephrology care teams to foster caregiver evolution and resilience and respond to the family's changing experience of kidney disease. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.

The effects of psychosocial and economic factors on the quality of life of patients with end-stage renal disease and their caregivers in Klang Valley, Malaysia: protocol for a mixed-methods study

INTRODUCTION

The number of patients in Malaysia requiring dialysis is expected to rise substantially in the future due to the ageing population and increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Hence, more individuals will be expected to adopt the role of caregivers in the future. The upward trend of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and caregiving for dialysis patients has detrimental consequences for both patients and caregivers in terms of their psychological well-being and quality of life. Despite the current circumstances, there are very few studies in Malaysia that have explored the psychosocial factors, specifically on the economic impact of the management of ESRD.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This two-phase sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, incorporating a quantitative design (phase I) and a qualitative study (phase II), is to be conducted in 4 government hospitals and 10 other non-governmental organisations or private dialysis centres within Klang Valley, Malaysia. A cross-sectional survey (phase I) will include 236 patient-caregiver dyads, while focus group discussions (phase II) will include 30 participants. The participants for both phases will be recruited purposively. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests and multiple regression analysis will be used for analyses in phase I, and thematic analysis will be used in phase II.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Approval for the study has been obtained from the National Medical Research and Ethics Committee (MREC) (NMRR-21-1012-59714) and the Research Ethics Committee of Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM (UKM PPI/111/8/JEP-2021-078) and University of Malaya Medical Centre (MREC ID NO: 2 02 178-10346). Informed consent of the participants will be obtained beforehand, and no personal identifiers will be obtained from the participants to protect their anonymity. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at national or international conferences with minimal anonymised data.

Adding Life to Their Years: The Current State of Pediatric Palliative Care in CKD

Despite continued advances in medical treatment, pediatric CKD remains an unremitting, burdensome condition characterized by decreased quality of life and earlier death. These burdens underscore the need for integration of pediatric palliative care (PPC) into nephrology practice. PPC is an evolving field that strives to (1) relieve physical, psychologic, social, practical, and existential suffering; (2) improve quality of life; (3) facilitate decision making; and (4) assist with care coordination in children with life-threatening or life-shortening conditions. Integration of palliative care into routine care has already begun for adults with kidney disease and children with other chronic diseases; however, similar integration has not occurred in pediatric nephrology. This review serves to provide a comprehensive definition of PPC, highlight the unmet need in pediatric nephrology and current integration efforts, discuss the state of palliative care in adult nephrology and analogous chronic pediatric disease states, and introduce future opportunities for study.