Transforming pediatric hemodialysis care: Effectiveness of a micro-video self-management program on self-efficacy and quality of life in children undergoing hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND Children on hemodialysis require engaging interventions to improve their well-being. Innovative self-management programs that build self-efficacy may offer a pathway to enhance their quality of life.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of a micro-video self-management program in improving self-efficacy and quality of life for children undergoing hemodialysis.

METHOD A single-group, quasi-experimental study was conducted between July 2024 and January 2025 across three pediatric hemodialysis units in Egypt. Participants included 51 children (aged 8-18 years) on chronic hemodialysis who completed an 8-week Micro-Video Self-Management Program. Main outcome measures were the Pediatric Rating of Chronic Illness Self-Efficacy (PRCISE) and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0 End-Stage Renal Disease module (child-report), assessed at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), and 3-month follow-up (T2).

RESULTS Significant improvements were observed from T0 to T1 for self-efficacy (57.16 to 120.12, p < 0.001) and quality of life (43.94 to 71.04, p < 0.001), with large effect sizes (partial η2 ≥ 0.697). These gains were sustained at T2 for both self-efficacy (119.29) and QoL (70.75), with no significant T1-T2 differences. The repeated measures ANOVA confirmed a highly significant main effect of time for both self-efficacy (F = 1016.21, p < 0.001) and QoL (F = 115.11, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS The micro-video self-management program was associated with significant and sustained improvements in self-efficacy and quality of life, offering a viable strategy for empowering children undergoing hemodialysis.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Nurses should adopt the role of facilitators and champions of tailored micro-video self-management programs, moving beyond basic education to actively build self-efficacy and mastery in children.