Exploring quality of life among chronic hemodialysis patients: Navigating the cumulative impact of multiple crises

Abstract

Introduction: Hemodialysis patients have poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL) compared to the general population. HRQOL is influenced by many sociodemographic and clinical factors. The aim of our study is to describe the HRQOL among adult patients undergoing hemodialysis during a period of economic and health crisis.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including patients who had been on hemodialysis for at least 3 months. We interviewed a total of 90 hemodialysis patients using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF36). The SF-36 measures eight scales and two distinct concepts: the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and the Mental Component Summary (MCS). Data analyses was performed with RStudio version 2022.12.0.

Results: The mean age (±SD) was 69.67±12.80 years. The mean PCS score (±SD) was 48.55±24.7 and the mean MCS score (±SD) was 58.62±22.1. The highest scores among the SF-36 were emotional well-being (66.65±20.02) and social functioning (66.53±27.40). Multivariate analysis showed that PTH levels and occupational status are significantly associated with PCS scores (p=0.007 and p=0.03 respectively), and that age at onset of dialysis, PTH levels, occupational status, marital status, and COVID-19 infection are significantly associated with MCS scores (p=0.04, p<0.001, p=0.003, p=0.006 and p=0.007 respectively).

Conclusion: The overall PCS and MCS scores were low, indicating poor HRQOL. However, the crises did not appear to directly worsen it, due to a strong social support system. A multidisciplinary team approach may improve the HRQOL of these patients.