The influence of kidney transplantation children's school attendance

Aim:To investigate the influence of KT on children's school attendance and to explore the children's own views on their schooling. Material and Method: This was a qualitative study, and data were obtained via structured telephone interviews. Patients, who, from childhood, had been receiving RRT since January 2001 and were being followed up at a tertiary center were included in the study. Results: Forty-five patients with a mean age of 20.04 ± 5.65 years (20 female and 25 male) were included in the study. Of them, 17 received dialysis, 10 underwent KT, 18 received both modalities. Of the patients, 15.6% had never started school, and 17.8% had delayed entry to school. Eight patients(17.8%) had stayed apart for at least a trainig schedule.Twenty-six patients (57.8%) had dropped out of school. Of patients, 62.2% were able to receive age-matched compulsory education. There was no significant difference between the RRT modalities in terms of school attendance. However, KT enabled 44.4% of patients to continue their education, which constituted 71.4% of those, who had received compulsory education. Alternative education provision (p: 0.008, OR: 7.104 (95% CI: 1.672-30.188)) and 'people's suggestions that patients not attend school' (p: 0.068, OR: 0.266 (95% CI: 0.064-1.102)) were significantly associated with attendance at compulsory education. Patients' opinions showed no significant difference between RRT modalities, though KT patients were more concerned that their health would deteriorate if they attended school. While the forms of education requested by the patients did not differ according to RRT modalities or attendance at compulsory education, traditional face-toface education was the preferred option (51.1%). Conclusions:Kidney transplantation may increase school attendance in children with ESKD. The alternative education option, which can be adapted to the individual circumstances of patients, should be able to avail of the necessary development resources. An awareness-raising campaign in relation to both ESKD and RRT would serve to counter society's negative judgments in relation to the school attendance of children receiving RRT; especially KT. They should be educated with healthy children in the 'most normal' of possible settings.