Psychological Aspect and Parental Experiences in Managing Fluid Adherence among Children Undergoing Haemodialysis

Background: children undergoing haemodialysis often face psychological fatigue due to strict fluid and dietary restrictions. These limitations can significantly affect their emotional well-being and quality of life, while also placing a heavy burden on parents who must ensure adherence at home. However, limited attention has been given to the lived experiences behind these challenges, particularly from both the child’s and caregiver’s perspectives.Objective: This study explores the psychological experiences of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing haemodialysis, alongside parental emotional challenges faced by parents in maintaining fluid adherence at home. Method: a qualitative descriptive design with a phenomenological approach was applied. Twelve parents of children aged 8-18 years receiving regular haemodialysis were selected using purposive sampling for in-depth interviews. Data were thematically analysed using Clarke and Braun’s six-phase framework. Results: three major themes emerged: (1) children’s emotional exhaustion due to fluid restrictions, (2) parental emotional strain in maintaining adherence, and (3) the necessity for sustained psychosocial support and structured education. Conclusion: these findings underscore the importance of a holistic care model that integrates medical, psychological, and educational components. Digital interventions, such as Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) systems equipped with chatbot features, may bridge existing care gaps. Future research should prioritise the development and evaluation of such technology-driven supports to enhance family-centred care in paediatric nephrology.