Quality of life in children at different stages of chronic kidney disease in a developing country

Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) require comprehensive assessments, including medical and quality of life (QoL) evaluations. Few studies have been conducted in developing countries.

This cross-sectional study included 2–18-year-old patients who were categorized into 4 groups: the CKD stage 2–3, stage 4–5, stage 5 with dialysis (D), and kidney transplantation (KT) groups. QoL was measured using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) version 4.0; relationships between different factors and QoL were determined using multivariable linear regression analysis.

Eighty-seven patients (mean age: 13.3 (4.1) years) were included. The self-reported total scores were 77.5 (12.5), 78.9 (11.2), 77.4 (16.2), and 76.1 (10.9) in the stage 2–3, stage 4–5, stage 5D and KT groups, respectively. Parent-reported scores showed a weak-to-moderate correlation with self-reported scores (r = 0.12–0.42), with total scores of 71.8 (12.7), 69.5 (14.9), 63.4 (14.8), and 70.8 (18.1) in the stage 2–3, 4–5, 5D and KT groups, respectively. Multivariable linear regression revealed that the parent-reported score in the stage 5D group was 15.92 points lower than that in the stage 2–3 group (p = 0.02); the score in the low maternal education group was 10.13 points lower than that in the high maternal education group (p = 0.04).

Parent-reported scores showed weak-to-moderate correlation with self-reported scores. Patients with CKD stage 5D and patients with low maternal education had lower QoL. Regular QoL assessment is recommended for patients with advanced CKD and those with socioeconomic vulnerabilities.