Factors related to psychosocial adjustment in children with end-stage renal failure

Psychological functioning and adjustment to dialysis were assessed in the families of 60 children and adolescents undergoing chronic dialysis. Sociodemographic factors, treatment variables, health status and satisfaction with health care provision were also measured. Correlation analyses identified a number of important factors associated with poor adjustment to dialysis and/or anxiety and depression in children and parents. Particularly at risk are parents in lower socioeconomic status households, parents with large families, parents with limited support and parents of young children. Children were more at risk where there was greater functional impairment caused by illness.