Quality of life in children with kidney disease

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease prevents families and children from enjoying a normal life due to changes in their everyday life. Objectives: To characterize the quality of life perceived by children with kidney disease who attend summer camps. Methodology: Descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study, with a mixed-method approach. The nonprobability sample is composed of 42 children (29 Spanish and 13 Portuguese children) aged between 7 and 17 years with a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease and attending summer camps. We used the Portuguese and Spanish versions of the KINDL® scale, sociodemographic and clinical questions, and a notepad. Results: Children had a positive perception of quality of life. The Self-Esteem dimension was the best perceived, and the Emotional well-being dimension was the worst perceived. Spanish children had a better perception of quality of life. Positive feelings emerged from the content analysis. Conclusion: Individualized follow-up up by a multidisciplinary team and summer camps for educational purposes, empowerment and emancipation, peer education, socialization, and entertainment can be beneficial to children and their families.