Longitudinal assessment of the psychological well-being of parents caring for children with end stage renal failure

The study followed parents of 26 children with End Stage Renal Failure (ESRF) for two years to investigate the cumulative effects of caring for a child with ESRF. The mean age of the children was 10.24 (range 2yrs–17yrs), and 25 mothers and 18 fathers participated. The study assessed the stress, anxiety and depression levels of parents, as well as their information needs and perceived impact of the illness. This data was collected by questionnaires which were administered on seven occasions (four monthly). Data was also collected on socioeconomic factors. Qualitative data was obtained by attending the parents support group, and later transcribing the discussions.