Mothers Stress experiences and effectiveness of Nurse Led Intervention on management of children with chronic kidney disease at Tertiary Care Centre” - A mixed method study, Chennai.

Abstract

Introduction
Chronic idney disease (CKD) in children is a serious global health concern, impacting not only the physical well-being of the affected children but also their emotional and social development. CKD results in the gradual decline of kidney function, impairing the body's ability to regulate fluids, electrolytes, and waste. While CKD is less prevalent in children than adults, its effects are profound, with an estimated prevalence of 1 to 3 per 1,000 children worldwide. Children with CKD face numerous health challenges, including poor appetite, fatigue, swelling, and high blood pressure, while caregivers—especially mothers—often experience high levels of stress as they navigate complex treatment regimens and emotional burdens. The support provided by healthcare professionals, particularly through nurse-led interventions, can play a crucial role in mitigating this stress. This study aims to explore the mothers stress experiences and assess the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation as a nurse-led intervention to alleviate stress in these caregivers.

Methods
A mixed-methods approach was employed for this study, combining both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. In the qualitative phase, un - structured interviews were conducted with mothers of children diagnosed with CKD to explore their stress experiences. The quantitative phase utilized the Parental Stress Scale to measure stress levels, along with demographic data collection. Mindfulness meditation sessions, led by trained nurses, were provided to a subgroup of the participants, and their stress levels were assessed before and after the intervention. The study ensured ethical compliance, with informed consent obtained from all participants and privacy maintained throughout.

Results
The study found that mothers of children with CKD reported high levels of stress related to frequent medical appointments, emotional distress over their child's illness, and disruptions to daily life. The quantitative data from the Parental Stress Scale revealed that 65% of the participants experienced moderate to severe stress. Following nurse-led mindfulness meditation sessions, there was a significant reduction in stress levels, with 78% of participants reporting improved emotional well-being and better coping mechanisms. The qualitative interviews further highlighted the importance of emotional support, with many mothers expressing relief at having access to structured interventions and guidance from nurses.

Discussion
The findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological needs of mothers caring for children with CKD. Nurse-led mindfulness meditation emerged as an effective intervention for reducing maternal stress and promoting coping strategies. The holistic support provided by nurses, including practical assistance with care routines, education on disease management, and emotional counseling, was instrumental in enhancing the overall well-being of both mothers and their children. These results suggest that integrating such interventions into pediatric CKD care could have a positive impact on caregivers' mental health, thereby improving their ability to provide long-term care for their children. Further research with larger sample sizes and diverse populations is needed to confirm these findings and refine intervention strategies.