Impact Of Hemodialysis On Quality Of Life Of Patients With End Stage Renal Disease At Kenyatta National Hospital
Abstract
Background
End-stage kidney disease (ESRD) leads to death if one is not dialyzed or done a kidney
transplant. However, both of these treatments can have risks. The outcome is different for each
person. Most patients prefer to be put on hemodialysis which is relatively expensive and comes
with other challenges like change of body image and dependency. These challenges to patients
on hemodialysis eventually affect their quality of life (QoL). Assessment of QoL of patients with
ESRO on hemodialysis was done so as to fill the healthcare gaps that warrant intervention.
Study objective
The primary objective of this study was to assess the quality of life in patients with ESRO on
hemodialysis.
Materials and methods
This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The study site was Kenyatta National Hospital
(KNH) renal unit. Study was conducted after the ethical approval by KNH/UoN institutional
review board. A total number of 133 participants were recruited in the study through purposive
non-probability sampling method. The participants in this study were on hemodialysis for at least
three months or more. Study tools were questionnaires. The data was analyzed using statistical
packages for social sciences (SPSS) version 18. The study was conducted in duration of four
weeks.
Results:
A total number of 133 subjects were studied. The study respondents were aged between 18 and
71 years old (mean = 41.7, SD= 13.783) with male 60.2% and 39.8% being females. The major
cause of ESRD was hypertension with 53.4%. The most access site for hemodialysis was arteriove~
10usfistula with 39.8%. The mean score of the overall quality of life was 9.4455 (SO 1.6).
Score in this category ranged from 6.17 - 14.38 with the highest score in social and economic.
In the relationship between socio-demographic factors and quality of life, There was a significant
difference noted in family factor in terms of gender (P=O.012). However when comparing
Christianity and Islam scores, there was difference in psychological and spiritual aspect
(P=O.031) as compared to others. In like manner, the monthly income of the respondent was
significantly different in health and functioning factor of the individual (P=O.036). Age, marital
status, education and employment was not significantly different to any aspect/factor of qualify
of life (P>O.05).
Conclusion
The mean score of the overall quality of life of patients in KNH with ESRD on hemodialysis was
9.4455 (SD l.6). Score in this category ranged from 6.17 - 14.38 with the highest score in social
and economic factors. Therefore this means the participants had a fair quality of life.
Recommendations
There is need for health care education on life style factors in prevention ef hypertension.
Increase the number of hemodialysis machines to cater for the patients needs.
There is need to intensify awareness programs on early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.
Citation
Maacah,Apicha O.,November,2013.Impact Of Hemodialysis On Quality Of Life Of Patients With End Stage Renal Disease At Kenyatta National Hospital.Publisher
University of Nairobi