Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Caregivers Regarding Home Care of Children with Chronic Kidney Disease in Kenya
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Keywords:
Pediatric nephrology, chronic kidney disease, caregivers, home-based careAbstract
Background: Children suffering from chronic kidney disease in Kenya is posing an increasing public health concern, especially among those aged 4-7 years. Despite the need for home-based care as a possible solution, the approach places heavy responsibilities on caregiver. However, there remains limited evidence on caregivers' attitudes, home-care practices, and challenges associated with caring for children with CKD. The situation limits effective policy and caregiver support interventions. This study examined caregivers’ knowledge of home care practices for children with chronic kidney disease in Kenya. Specifically, it assessed caregivers’ attitudes towards caregiving, examined their adopted home care practices, and identified challenges encountered.
Methods: The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design, targeting caregivers of children with CKD attending KNH and KUTRRH. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire comprising 5-points Likert-scale items and open-ended questions. Out of the 30 sampled respondents, 29 completed the questionnaire, accounting for a response rate of 96.7%.. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. One-sample t-tests were applied to assess whether mean responses varied significantly from the neutral midpoint.
Findings: Caregivers indicated largely positive attitudes towards home-based care for CKD, with an overall mean of 4.30 (SD = 0.84), which was significantly above the neutral midpoint (p < .001). There was also a strong indication for home-care practices, with an overall mean of 4.36 (SD = 0.76; p < .001). While dietary and fluid management was comparatively weaker, clinic attendance, hygiene, and medication adherence were particularly well practiced. Notwithstanding these positive indications, caregivers experienced substantial challenges. These included financial constraints (M = 4.31), emotional stress (M = 4.07), healthcare access (M = 3.97), and balancing caregiving with other responsibilities (M = 3.93).
Conclusion: Caregivers generally exhibited positive attitudes, and strong home-care practices. However, the effectiveness of caregiving was constrained by significant socioeconomic and psychosocial barriers.
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