Abstract
Seventy-three cases presently older than 18 years old (mean 22 years old) who had been long-stay patients with chronic renal disease concurrently attending school for the handicapped (mean for 5 years and 8 months) were investigated through questionaires. At the time of investigation, 57 (78.1%) patients were still under treatment and 4 (5.3%) had no occupation. One third had been absent from school for more than 6 months and/or remarkably behind in studies on their admission and another one third could insufficiently improve their abilities during hospitalized life. After leaving hospital, the history of renal disease and the one of school for the handicapped were disadvantageous to 50 (70.4%) and 34 (47.2%) patients respectively. The friendship was chosen as the greatest advantage (58.9%) in the hospitalized life, whereas the lack of social experiences as the greatest disadvantage (56.2%). The lack of social experiences, the restriction of exercises and adverse effects of drugs etc. were pointed to have strongly influenced on their characters and way of thinking. On the other hand, the progress in treatment and diagnosis, lightening the medical expenses in adulthood, shortening the period of hospital treatment and explanation of the disease were requested to the medical treatment of renal disease.
