Quality of Life of Nephrotics Children and Its Related Factors

Background: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common kidney disease found in children. Its medical and psychosocial complications can affect the quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to have a description on the QoL and its related factors using Pediatric Quality of Life InventoryTM (PedsQLTM). Methods: An analytical descriptive study was conducted on patients, aged 2-18 years old in the outpatient and inpatient ward of nephrology, Department of Child Health, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, during April 2013–December 2013. The assessment of QoL used PedsQLTM 4.0 Chi-square test was performed to get variable with p value <0.25 which subsequently included in multivariate analysis. Logistic regression was performed to find factors associated with QoL. Unpaired t test was performed to find correlation between length of illness and QoL. Results: 100 NS patients were participated in this study and 19% was found having disturbance in the QoL. Risk factors of disturbance in QoL were: age 5-7 years old, age 13-18 years old, low socio-economic status, father with low education level, and the use of steroid (p<0.05). Duration of illness was related to QoL based on parents and children reports (p<0.05), as well as child-rearing pattern. Conclusions: 19% of NS had disturbance in QoL. The risk factors were children age, low socio-economic and low level education of parents, unexpected child-rearing pattern, duration of illness, and the use of steroid