Assessment of Parents Knowledge Regarding Home Management of Children with Nephrotic Syndrome in Baghdad City, Iraq

Abstract

Background: Effective home management of childhood nephrotic syndrome depends substantially on parents’ understanding of the disease, treatment, monitoring, diet, infection prevention, and psychosocial support. Aim: This study assessed parents’ knowledge regarding the home management of children with nephrotic syndrome in Baghdad City, Iraq. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 parents attending Al-Karkh Teaching Hospitals from February to April 2025. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, medical history, and knowledge of home management. Sixteen yes/no knowledge items addressed general knowledge, diet and health care, treatment and prevention, and psychological and social support. Results: Most knowledge items were rated as good, with mean scores ranging from 0.78 to 0.92. The highest mean score (0.92) concerned recognition that nephrotic syndrome involves loss of large amounts of protein in the urine. Knowledge of medication side effects was comparatively weaker and was rated fair (mean = 0.68). Descriptive comparison also showed variation in knowledge levels across fathers’ educational categories. Conclusion: Parents demonstrated generally good knowledge of several aspects of nephrotic syndrome and its home management, but an important gap remained regarding medication side effects. Structured, understandable, and repeated education during routine clinical encounters may help reinforce medication safety, symptom monitoring, diet, infection prevention, and other practical home-care responsibilities. Programmes should include information regarding the disease, medication safety, dietary and health advice, and infection control, and should be incorporated into routine hospital/clinic visits. Healthcare providers and other professionals should use every appropriate opportunity to educate patients and caregivers.