Self-care in Chinese school-age children with nephrotic syndrome

Purpose: To identify the levels of self-care in Chinese school-age children with primary nephrotic syndrome. Study Design and Methods: Descriptive study of 66 school-age children hospitalized at least once for nephrotic syndrome who were followed medically at the affiliated hospitals of Sun Yat-sen University. Demographic data and information about nephrotic syndrome self-care were obtained by interviewing patients' families. Frequency distributions were used for the analysis. Results: Of 66 patients studied, 60 had high levels of self-care practices. High levels of self-care were found for 83% of 6 to 8 year olds, 95% of 9 to 10 year olds, and all 11 to 12 year olds. Clinical Implications: This study can help nurses to understand cross-cultural implications of self-care practices for Chinese school-age children. The findings also can guide nurses to assess and promote self-care practices of pediatric patients.