Parental information needs in chronic renal failure and diabetes mellitus

J Collier, Helen Pattison, A Watson, C Sheard

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    20 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The information needs of parents of children with end stage renal failure (ESRF) or with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) were assessed by questionnaires over a 2-year period. Questionnaires were posted on seven occasions at 4-monthly intervals and were sent to both mothers and fathers. Most information needs were reported to be for detailed test results, for new information about the condition and about the child's future social development. Questions responsible for the three highest scores were concerned with the future: the child's fertility; their social, career and marriage prospects; and the hope for a new improved treatment. For the IDDM mothers, scores were significantly different depending on age of the child (P = 0.02). Change in treatment mode had no significant effect on the information needs of parents of children with ESRF (P = 0.81). Occupation was significantly associated with the mean general information needs scores for parents, with occupations of a lower socioeconomic status associated with higher information needs scores. There were no significant differences between the reported mean general information needs scores of parents of children with ESRF and of parents of children with IDDM (P = 0.69) or between mothers and fathers mean general information needs scores (P = 0.58). Conclusion Multidisciplinary team members need to tailor information to the needs of the individual families and be sensitive to socioeconomic factors and communication issues.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)31-36
    Number of pages6
    JournalEuropean Journal of Pediatrics
    Volume160
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2001

    Keywords

    • diabetes mellitus
    • chronic renal failure
    • psychosocial care
    • information needs

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