Health and wealth in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease (K-CAD study)

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Public Health
• Socioeconomic Determinants of Health

Background:

• Reduced kidney function in children, particularly end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), leads to severe health issues including mortality, impaired growth, and psychosocial problems.
• Biological factors are known contributors to adverse outcomes in pediatric CKD, but the role of socioeconomic factors requires further investigation.
• Caregiver socioeconomic circumstances may significantly influence the health and well-being of children diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of economic hardship among caregivers of children with CKD.
• To investigate the association between caregiver socioeconomic status and the health and well-being of children with CKD over a 5-year period.
• To understand caregivers' perspectives on the economic, financial, and psychosocial impact of pediatric CKD.

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study involving 380 children with CKD and their caregivers.
• Biennial follow-up over 5 years to assess changes in socioeconomic status and child health outcomes.
• Semi-structured interviews with 45 caregivers to gather qualitative insights into the impact of CKD.

Main Results:

• The study will provide a snapshot of the current economic and social situation of caregivers for children with CKD.
• It aims to establish the prevalence of economic hardship within this population.
• Primary outcomes include the effects of caregiver socioeconomic status on child self-reported health status.

Conclusions:

• This research will offer definitive evidence on the link between caregiver socioeconomic status and outcomes in children with CKD.
• Findings will elucidate the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and pediatric kidney disease.
• The study contributes to understanding risk factors for mortality and morbidity in pediatric CKD.