Abstract: Objective: To investigate the status quo and influencing factors of knowledge in family caregivers of pediatric patients on long-term maintained peritoneal dialysis. Methods: A convenience sample of 121 family caregivers from four tertiary pediatric hospitals in eastern, middle, and southwest of China was selected in the study. The demographic information of caregivers and children, as well as the knowledge about management of peritoneal dialysis was collected using a self-developed questionnaire. Results: The total score for the knowledge on management of peritoneal dialysis was 59.26±5.24. Caregivers' gender, educational background, types of training projects and whether receiving retraining had impacts on knowledge about management of peritoneal dialysis. Conclusion: Family caregivers have basic understanding of peritoneal dialysis. However, understanding of complications and nutrition management in peritoneal dialysis is still inadequate. It is suggested that healthcare providers design appropriate training and retraining programs using various health education strategies based on gender and educational background of caregivers to improve their knowledge on peritoneal dialysis.

Key words: peritoneal dialysis; pediatric patient; caregiver; knowledge