Analysis of parents’ awareness on the chronic kidney disease in children

Abstract

Introduction. Informing the population about chronic kidney disease is an important factor for preventing or combating the disease, and maintaining the health of the younger generation. Objective: to study the level of awareness of parents about chronic kidney disease. Methods. In a specially designed form, an anonymous survey of 112 parents of children treated at the department regarding chronic kidney disease was conducted. Statistical processing of the obtained results was carried out. Results. In most children (91.6%), the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease was established at the stage C3–C5 in the hospital. Moreover, in 100% of cases, this diagnosis was a “random finding”; 75.9% of respondents showed lack of information about the disease and its treatment, and the level of awareness is directly related to the stage of the disease. Moreover, as a result of insufficient information, the parents admitted to fail to comply with the terms of visiting the child, a nephrologist (22.9%), the recommendations to limit the diet of protein (19.3%) and potassium (36.2%), fluid volume (61.5%). At the same time, the parents believed the cause of the progression of chronic kidney disease in the child to be the lack of follow-up (43.7%), late diagnosis (33.7%), improper treatment (13.3%), and the late beginning of the treatment (9.6%). Conclusion. The work proved a low degree of awareness about chronic kidney disease, which contributes to the late diagnosis of the disease and low adherence to treatment. This problem requires improving methods and forms of informing the population, including expanding the capacity of outpatient care (preventive examinations, health education in nephrology schools).