Tong, A.Henning, P.Wong, G.McTaggart, S.Mackie, F.Carroll, R.Craig, J.2014-03-312014-03-312013American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 2013; 61(3):375-3840272-63861523-6838http://hdl.handle.net/2440/82353<h4>Background</h4>Young people with advanced chronic kidney disease experience delayed growth and poor psychosocial outcomes. This study aims to elicit the experiences and perspectives of young people waiting for a kidney transplant.<h4>Methods</h4>We conducted semistructured interviews with people aged 12-24 years from 6 Australian renal units. Participants also were asked to complete a journal. Interview transcripts and journal entries were analyzed thematically.<h4>Results</h4>27 individuals participated in the study. 5 major themes were identified: inferiority (impaired body image, failing expectations, sick identity, and being a burden), insecurity (contending with prognostic uncertainty, vulnerability, and doubtful future), injustice (deprived of freedom, victimhood, and lost opportunity), resilience (autonomy and empowerment and maturity), and adjustment mentality (self-blame, reserved optimism, focusing on normality, and self-efficacy).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Young dialysis- and non-dialysis-dependent patients with chronic kidney disease have an impaired sense of self-worth, perceive a precarious future, and feel limited in their physical and psychosocial capacities to have the same potential and opportunity as their healthy peers. Strategies to increase patient autonomy and self-efficacy in treatment management and to manage the emotional burdens of future uncertainties and lifestyle disruptions are needed to protect and promote the health and well-being of young people waiting for a kidney transplant.en© 2013 National Kidney Foundation, Inc.Pediatricadolescentdialysisqualitative researchJournal article002013595310.1053/j.ajkd.2012.09.0240003149666000072-s2.0-8487411617415880Carroll, R. [0000-0002-6238-026X]