Abstract: TH-PO863
Responses from Arabic-Speaking Caregivers of Youth with Chronic Conditions to the Health Care Transition Readiness Starx Questionnaire
Session Information
- Race, Ethnicity, and Gender in Kidney Health and Care
October 24, 2024 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
- 900 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
Authors
- Said, Peter, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- Abumohsen, Yara, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
- Ferris, Maria E., The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
Background
Successful healthcare transition (HCT) is vital for youths with chronic conditions shifting from pediatric to adult care. A USA cohort revealed a preference among youths for health information from caregivers. Assessments of HCT readiness using the STARx Questionnaire inform customized interventions. However, there is a lack of studies on Arabic-speaking dyads. Our hypothesis explores potential differences in HCT readiness scores among youth with chronic conditions.
Methods
The STARx Questionnaire underwent translation/back-translation into Arabic. Ethics approval was obtained from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Zagazig University, Egypt. We enrolled youths with chronic conditions and their caregivers.
Results
We included 107 youth/caregiver dyads, with 60% male youths, averaging 13.3±1.2 years. Diagnoses comprised 24% Kidney disease, 33% thalassemia, and 43% diabetes mellitus. The median medication count was 2 (range 0-4). Total Caregiver STARx scores positively correlated significantly with youth's age (Pearson r=0.31, Figure 1).
While total STARx scores significantly correlated between caregivers and youths (Pearson r=0.18, Figure 1), caregivers scored substantially lower (51±5) than youths (54±5, p=1.35E-07, paired t-test). Lower caregiver scores were observed in disease knowledge and self-management domains, with caregivers outperforming youths in provider communication (Table 1).
Conclusion
Arabic-speaking caregivers scored lower in HCT readiness (total, disease knowledge, and self-management), while youths scored lower in healthcare communication. Ambiguity exists whether youths overestimate their skills in disease knowledge and self-management. Further investigation of the caregiver-youth gap in provider communication is needed to enhance youths' skills and perceptions.