Assessment of Stress Levels in Parents of Children With and Without Chronic Kidney Disease Psychological Impacts on Caregivers in Pediatric Nephrology
Journal of Pediatric Nephrology,
Vol. 13 (2025),
12 May 2026
https://doi.org/10.22037/jpn.v13i1.49694
Abstract
Background and Aim: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children poses significant
psychological challenges for parents, potentially leading to elevated levels of stress, anxiety,
and depression. This study aimed to compare levels of stress, anxiety, health anxiety, and
depression between parents of children diagnosed with CKD and parents of healthy children.
Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included 70 parents (35 parents of
children with chronic kidney disease and 35 parents of healthy children) recruited from Amir
Kabir Children’s Hospital in Arak, Iran. Psychological outcomes, including stress, anxiety,
depression, and health anxiety were assessed using the depression, anxiety, and stress scale
(DASS-21) and the 18-item health anxiety inventory (HAI-18). Statistical analyses was
performed using SPSS software, version 26.
Results: Parents of children with CKD reported significantly higher levels of anxiety
(P=0.044) and stress (P=0.047) compared to the control group. However, there were no
statistically significant differences in depression levels (P=0.117) or health anxiety (P=0.840).
Demographic variables showed no significant correlation with psychological outcomes.
Conclusion: Parents of children with CKD experience elevated levels of stress and anxiety,
underscoring the need for targeted psychological interventions to support their mental health.
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Depression
- Health anxiety
How to Cite
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