[A Study of Fatigue and Associated Factors in Hemodialysis Patients].

Abstract

Background: Fatigue, one of the most common and burdensome symptoms faced by hemodialysis patients, affects quality of life and increases mortality risk. Although previous studies in Taiwan have explored the factors associated with fatigue and its predictors in dialysis patients, they are limited in terms of number and are largely outdated and do not reflect recent advancements in dialysis care quality. Thus, further investigation is warranted.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to explore fatigue and its related factors in a population of hemodialysis patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational research design was used and data were collected from medical records and two structured questionnaires, namely the Hemodialysis Patient Fatigue Scale and the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire. Inferential statistics were performed using independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression analysis.

Results: The participants were primarily females and unemployed. The average age was 63.59 years (SD = 10.29), the mean dialysis duration was 83.70 months (SD = 63.46), and the average fatigue score was 22.74 (SD = 12.34). Significant correlations were found between fatigue level and, respectively, age (r = .185, p = .024) and albumin levels (r = -.245, p = .003). Fatigue levels differed significantly based on number of chronic diseases (F = 7.48, p = .001). Depressive mood and albumin levels were identified as significant predictors, explaining 68.5% of the total variance (F = 157.308, p = .001), with depressive mood being the primary predictor.

Conclusions / implications for practice: The findings of this study provide assessment and care guidelines to clinical healthcare professionals for patients identified to be at high risk of hemodialysis-related fatigue. Through professional education and training, these professionals can gain the skills necessary to offer effective psychological support and clinical resources. In addition, monitoring the nutritional indicators of patients and providing them with individualized nursing guidance are similarly important. The findings of this study can inform clinical education and serve as a reference for future research in the field of patient care.