Influence of mothers on school adjustment of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis children.

In school children on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), school adjustment is regarded as an important indicator for comprehensive medical care. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of mothers on school adjustment of CAPD children. The children tended to indicate school maladjustment with school absenteeism and poor relationships with friends. The mothers were characterized by poor independence, poor achievement orientation, strong emotional reliance, and lack of social self-confidence, indicating emotional instability. The family environment, including the mother's psychological condition, was strongly associated with the children's maladjustment to school. The results suggested the necessity of comprehensive medical care for these children and their mothers.