Work

COVID-19 Associated Worry and Emotional Distress in Youth and Young Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: The COVID-19 (C19) pandemic impacted youth mental/behavioral health with a 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. Little is known about the emotional impact of C19 for children with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The purpose of the current study is to describe C19-related distress and worry among youth with CKD. Methods: C19 questionnaire adapted from the SARS-CoV-19 worry scale was completed for participants. Covariate data were collected at or prior to C19 questionnaire administration.Analyses examined rates of C19 emotional distress and worry and included logistic regression to identify associations with socioeconomic and disease-related covariates. Results: among pre-End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) participants and median urine P:C 0.27. 27% were post-kidney replacement, 29% had household income <$36,000 and 29% had maternal education of high school or less. 19% and 17% endorsed C19-related emotional distress and worry, respectively. Having eGFR <30 pre-ESKD was associated with endorsement of emotional distress (OR 3.34; p=0.046). Low household income was associated with endorsement of C19-related worry (OR 5.43; p=0.01). Conclusion: 15-19% of youth and young adults with CKD endorsed elevated rates of C19-associated emotional distress and worry. Findings suggest that children with poorer kidney function and lower income were more likely to endorse distress and worry related to C19.

Source: Annals of Pediatrics

DOI: 10.52768/annpediatr/1152

Author: Joann Carlson

Institutions: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers Health

Language: English

Topic: COVID-19 and Mental Health

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases