Assessment of Nutritional Needs for School Age Children with Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis

Adel Mohamed, Aya; Refaat Tantawi, Hyam; Amin Morsy, Madihah

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2025.464070

Assessment of Nutritional Needs for School Age Children with Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ 1. M.S.N., Pediatric Nursing, Clinical Instructor at Technical Nursing Institute Al-Azhar University

² 2. Professor of Pediatric Nursing Faculty of Nursing Ain Shams University.

³ 3. Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing Faculty of Nursing Ain Shams University.

10.21608/ejhc.2025.464070

Abstract

Background: chronic kidney disease causes several changes in the body’s functions in metabolizing nutrients. In children undergoing hemodialysis, there are specific nutritional challenges that require careful management. Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of school age children undergoing HD about their nutritional needs. Research Design: A descriptive exploratory research design was utilized. Setting: This study was conducted at hemodialysis units affiliated to Al-Azhar University Hospitals. Subject: A purposive sample composed of 67 school age children undergoing HD. Tools: Two tools were used; Tool (I): Structured Interviewing Questionnaire. Tool (II): Nutritional Needs Assessment Scale for School Age Children Undergoing Hemodialysis. Results: Study revealed that less than three quarters of studied school age children had unsatisfactory knowledge about chronic renal failure and more than three quarter of them had unsatisfactory knowledge about nutritional needs. Also, less than two thirds of studied school age children had high nutritional needs. Conclusion: The majority of studied school age children undergoing HD had unsatisfactory level of total level of knowledge about their nutritional needs. Also there was statistically significant correlation between their total level of knowledge and their anthropometric measurement. In addition, there was statistically significant negative correlation between their total level of knowledge and total dietary needs. Recommendations: Regular nutritional assessment of children should be maintained throughout their hemodialysis period and conduct an application nutritional program for children to ensure proper nutrition.

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