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Paediatric kidney transplantation, while life-saving, presents significant academic challenges for children. Frequent hospitalisations, medical treatments and the psychosocial impact of chronic illness can severely disrupt educational trajectories. This study aimed to explore the post-transplant academic experiences of children from the perspective of their parents.
A qualitative phenomenological study. Data were collected through in-depth, semistructured interviews and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.
The study was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, with participants recruited from the registry of the Punjab Human Organ Transplantation Authority (PHOTA).
Thirteen parents of children who had undergone a kidney transplant and were enrolled in a formal school.
Five major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) academic disruption and coping, detailing declines in performance and motivation alongside efforts to maintain engagement; (2) cognitive fatigue and emotional strain, encompassing reduced focus, memory difficulties and psychological distress; (3) school attendance, participation and support, highlighting frequent absenteeism, limited engagement in activities, and the critical role of institutional flexibility; (4) social identity and peer exclusion, revealing fears of stigma, self-isolation and misunderstanding from peers and (5) navigating the future, reflecting parental anxieties about long-term educational and career prospects alongside adaptive hope. The findings underscore that formal support systems in schools and healthcare settings are currently underdeveloped to meet these children’s complex needs.
This study illuminates the profound and multifaceted academic challenges faced by children after kidney transplantation. The results emphasise that a transplant is not merely a medical event but a life-altering experience with significant educational consequences. There is a critical need for integrated, targeted interventions that provide robust psychological support, flexible educational policies and comprehensive school reintegration programmes to ensure these children can achieve their full academic and personal potential.
To examine demographic, behavioural and clinical determinants of self-rated health (SRH) among Iranian adults with hypertension (HTN), with a particular focus on the association between blood pressure (BP) control and perceived health.
National cross-sectional analysis of 15 predictors spanning demographic, lifestyle and clinical domains.
2021 Iranian STEPwise Approach to Non-communicable Disease Risk Factor Surveillance, a nationally representative survey.
A total of 8812 adults with HTN (mean age 56.97 years; 57% female). Controlled HTN was defined as systolic blood pressure
The primary outcome was SRH, measured on a standard EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scale (0–100).
Controlled HTN was independently associated with higher SRH scores (β=1.31, 95% CI 0.07 to 2.54). Positive predictors of SRH included male gender (β=4.34, 95% CI 3.38 to 5.31), higher wealth (richest vs poorest: β=5.52, 95% CI 4.06 to 6.97), sufficient physical activity (β=4.38, 95% CI 3.48 to 5.28), healthier diet (β=3.06, 95% CI 1.99 to 4.14) and complementary insurance coverage (β=2.50, 95% CI 0.63 to 4.37). Significant negative predictors included diabetes mellitus (β=–4.23, 95% CI –5.59 to –3.26), dyslipidaemia (β=–3.61, 95% CI –4.62 to –2.59), people who smoke (β=–4.21, 95% CI –5.64 to –2.78) and older age. Notably, antihypertensive medication use showed one of the strongest negative associations with SRH (monotherapy: β=–4.83; combination therapy: β=–5.28), likely reflecting underlying disease severity and treatment burden.
Better SRH among hypertensive adults was associated with controlled BP, healthier lifestyle patterns and higher socioeconomic status. Conversely, comorbidities, smoking, older age and antihypertensive treatment were linked to poorer perceived health. Integrating SRH screening into HTN management may help identify vulnerable individuals and inform targeted interventions addressing behavioural and socioeconomic determinants of health.
by Moayad Subahi, Fahda Alshaikh, Eyad Dahlawi, Feras Zafar, Tamim Alsulimany, Nawaf Alnefaie, Abdulrahman Almalki
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a prevalent condition that reduces physical function and quality of life. Physical activity is foundational to KOA management; however, patient engagement and perceptions of treatment remain underexplored, particularly in Middle Eastern populations. This study evaluated physical activity (PA) levels among individuals with KOA and explored their perceptions, awareness, and experiences with management strategies, especially physical therapy. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) from 60 adults with physician-diagnosed KOA (mean age 55.5 ± 6.4 years; 50% female) recruited from clinics and community programs in Saudi Arabia. Semi-structured interviews with 24 purposively selected participants further explored experiences and perceptions. Descriptive statistics summarized quantitative data, and thematic analysis guided qualitative interpretation. Ninety percent of participants recorded low PA levels (≤600 MET-min/week), with only 10% achieving moderate or high activity levels. Qualitative themes revealed multiple barriers including emotional distress, logistical difficulties, and misconceptions about KOA as well as facilitators such as family support and patient education. Integration of findings highlighted how contextual and psychosocial factors influence PA engagement. Adults with KOA in this study reported markedly low levels of PA, shaped by cultural, psychological, and environmental factors. Our findings highlight the importance of addressing these barriers through patient-centred education and improved access to physical therapy.
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