Effects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on the Quality of Life of Patients on Hemodialysis at the Renal Unit of Kenyatta National Hospital and Their Coping Strategies

Abstract

Background: End-stage Kidney Disease Is the Final Stage of Chronic Kidney Disease Marked by the Total and Permanent Loss of Kidney Function, With Hemodialysis Being the Most Widely Used Treatment. Hemodialysis Patients Have Increased Risk of Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Infection and Its Related Effects. It Was Imperative Therefore That the Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Quality of Life (Qol) of Hemodialysis Patients Were Investigated to Inform Necessary Interventions. Objective: to Determine the Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Qol of Patients on Hemodialysis at the Renal Unit of Knh and Their Coping Strategies. Methodology: This Study Utilized a Descriptive Cross-sectional Study Design. The Study Site Was Knh Renal Unit. The Study Population Was 120 Hemodialysis Patients at Knh Renal Unit. A Study Sample of 91 Hemodialysis Patients Was Selected Using Simple Random Sampling Technique. A Researcher-administered Questionnaire Containing Close-ended Questions Based on the Research Objectives Was the Study Tool. The Study Tool Was Pre-tested at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret Using 10% of the Study Sample. The Study Data Was Analyzed With Descriptive Statistics Such as Means, Percentages and Frequencies Using Spss Version 26. Findings Were Presented in Tables. Association Between the Study Variables Was Estimated Using Pearson’s Multivariate Correlation Analysis at 95% Confidence Interval. Ethical Principles of Information Confidentiality, Anonymity in Data Reporting, Voluntary Participation and Appropriate Ethical Approvals Were Observed. Results: Physical Health Aspects Adversely Affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic Were Performance of Activities of Daily Living (Mean = 3.33); Leisure Activities (Mean = 3.07) and Mobility and Capacity to Work (Mean = 2.93). Some of the Adverse Psychological Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Respondents Included Fear of Health Deterioration (Mean = 3.54); Feeling Mentally Distressed and/or Anxious (Mean = 2.59) and Fear of Contracting Covid-19 (Mean = 3.93). Some of the Adverse Socio-economic Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Respondents Were Greater Financial Difficulties in Their Jobs (Mean = 4.24); Struggle to Meet the Costs of Treatment (Mean = 3.64) and Rising Costs of Living Which Made Life Much More Difficult (Mean = 4.20). Coping Strategies Adopted by the Patients Included Adhering to Issued Covid-19 Pandemic Prevention Guidelines - 100% and Seeking Social and Emotional Support From Family and Friends - 84.2%. A Statistically Significant Negative Association Was Also Established Between Covid-19 Pandemic Effects and the Physical Health Status (R = -0.469, P = 0.029), Psychological Wellbeing (R = -0.612, P = 0.018) and Socio-economic Status (R = -0.671, P = 0.000) of the Respondents. Conclusion: Patients on Hemodialysis Undergoing Treatment at Knh’s Renal Unit Did Experience Various Physical, Psychological and Socio-economic Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic Which Adversely Affected Their Qol. Recommendations: There Is Need for Awareness Creation Among Patients on Hemodialysis at Knh’s Renal Unit on the Need for Continued Vigilance Against the Prevailing Covid-19 Pandemic Through Strict Observance of Ministry of Health Guidelines on Covid-19 Prevention.