THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LEVEL OF DEHYDRATION AND ANXIETY IN CHILDREN AGED 6-12 YEARS TREATED WITH DIARRHEA

Abstract

Introduction

Elementary school-aged children (6-12 years old) often exhibit poor snacking habits, lead into health issues, particularly gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea. Diarrhea-induced dehydration can necessitate hospitalization.  Hospitalization due to diarrhea can trigger changes in a child's health status, eliciting individual responses, including anxiety.

Method(s)

This study investigated the correlation between dehydration levels and anxiety in children aged 6-12 years hospitalized with diarrhea in the pediatric ward of Tabanan Regional General Hospital in 2022.  This correlational study employed a quantitative design, utilizing purposive sampling with a sample size of 32 children.

Result(s)

The findings revealed that among the hospitalized children, 17 experienced mild/moderate dehydration, 13 were admitted without dehydration, and 2 presented with severe dehydration.  A majority of the children experienced moderate anxiety (19 respondents, 59.4%), followed by mild anxiety (8 respondents, 25.0%), severe anxiety (3 respondents, 9.4%), and only 2 respondents (6.3%) exhibited no anxiety or depression.  The study concluded that there is a positive correlation between dehydration levels and anxiety levels, albeit a weak one (r = 0.361).

Conclusion(s)

This suggests that increased dehydration severity is associated with increased anxiety in children.  The importance of educating school-aged children about diarrhea prevention and the crucial role of parents in managing childhood anxiety are highlighted