Protocol for the 'exploration of mental well-being, health-related quality of life, and psychosocial outcomes in youths on dialysis in New Zealand: A cross-sectional methods study'.

Young individuals on dialysis are recognized to have poor patient-centred outcomes in addition to poor clinical outcomes.

• The paper states 'it is well accepted that young individuals on dialysis have poor clinical outcomes, although it is increasing apparent that they have similarly poor patient-centred ones.'
• Patient-centred outcomes of interest include mental well-being and health-related quality of life.
• This recognition motivates the study of these outcomes specifically in the dialysis youth population of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The study will enroll youths aged 15-24 years currently on dialysis across Aotearoa New Zealand in a cross-sectional survey design.

• Eligibility is defined as being aged 15-24 years and undergoing dialysis in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• All eligible youths on dialysis across AoNZ will be invited to participate.
• The study uses a cross-sectional survey methodology.
• Informed consent will be sought from all participants, with data protection guidelines adhered to.

The study will use validated psychometric instruments to assess multiple psychosocial domains including daily activities, mental health, quality of life, social interactions, and self-efficacy.

• Instruments will assess daily activities, mental health, quality of life, social interactions, and self-efficacy.
• Factors examined as potential influences on outcomes include self-efficacy, physical activity, mood, and social anxiety.
• Open-ended questions within the survey will collect qualitative data in addition to quantitative measures.
• Clinical and demographic data will be obtained from clinical records and linked public health databases.

Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling to explore associations between psychometric constructs, mental well-being, and quality of life.

• Structural equation modeling is specified as the primary analytic method for exploring associations between psychometric constructs.
• Descriptive statistics will characterize the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the population.
• Open-ended qualitative questions will be analysed using qualitative content analysis.
• The study employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Results will be disseminated through multiple channels including academic publications, conferences, and summary reports provided directly to participants and stakeholders.

• Dissemination channels include academic publications, conferences, and summary reports.
• Summary reports will be provided to both participants and stakeholders.
• The research adheres to data protection guidelines to ensure participants' rights and confidentiality are protected.