Identifying psychosocial problems in children and adolescent with chronic illness to prevent psychosocial damage

Risna Ningsih; Ina Islamia; Atika Rahmawani

doi:10.26714/mki.8.2.2025.159-169

Identifying psychosocial problems in children and adolescent with chronic illness to prevent psychosocial damage

Risna Ningsih^(1*), Ina Islamia⁽²⁾, Atika Rahmawani⁽³⁾

(1) Magister Ilmu Keperawatan , Fakultas Ilmu Keperawatan, Universitas Indonesia RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Jakarta
(2) Magister Ilmu Keperawatan , Fakultas Ilmu Keperawatan, Universitas Indonesia RS Universitas Indonesia
(3) Magister Ilmu Keperawatan , Fakultas Ilmu Keperawatan, Universitas Indonesia RSPI Prof Dr Sulianti Saroso Jakarta
(*) Corresponding Author

Abstract

The rapid advancement of technology has increased the survival of children and adolescents with chronic illnesses, yet this longer life expectancy is frequently accompanied by significant psychosocial challenges that affect the individual, the family, and the broader environment. These young patients commonly experience heightened psychological distress, neurodevelopmental disorders, and difficulties in behavior, emotion regulation, and social relationships, leading to an increased risk of depression, suicidal ideation, loneliness, reduced quality of life, and anxiety compared with healthy peers. The severity of these impacts is shaped by disease characteristics, family dynamics, and parental perceptions, which together influence current and future social functioning, financial stability, and overall well‑being. Pediatric nurses play a pivotal role in the early identification of psychosocial problems, enabling the prevention of maladaptive health behaviors and the provision of timely, targeted nursing interventions. Assessing health‑related quality of life (HRQoL) which reflects a child’s goals, expectations, and concerns across physical, social, emotional, and cognitive domains is essential for estimating health‑related life expectancy and evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic and care strategies. To support early detection of psychosocial issues such as depression and suicide risk, validated screening instruments are introduced, and a comprehensive literature review was performed using databases including EBSCO, ProQuest, ClinicalKey Nursing, Sage Journals, and Scopus, with PICO‑based keyword searches limited to studies published between 2019 and 2024.

Keywords

Adolescent; children; chronic illness; instrument scale; quality of life

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