Quality of Life among Hemodialysis Patients: Role of the Dialysis Shift

This study examined the effects of the time of hemodialysis (HD) on patients' quality of life (QOL). This study included 175 HD patients (116 males, 59 females), aged 18-80 years (mean = 58.1 ± 11.3 years). Shift 1 was 7:00-11:00 AM, Shift 2 was 12:00-4:00 PM, Shift 3 was 5:00-9:00 PM, and Shift 4 was 10:00-2:00 AM (38, 38, 43, and 56 patients, respectively). Those on Shift 4 had a higher mean age compared with the other shifts, with a higher number of widowed people (8.6%). The proportions of males and females showed no significant differences among the shifts. The mean duration on dialysis was 42.1 ± 39.3 months, with a shorter duration for Shift 4. We observed the highest QOL score for the psychological and spiritual subscale, followed by the family subscale. Half the patients were dissatisfied with their jobs and had less satisfaction with their sexual life, their education, and getting a kidney transplant. We found a significant difference in overall QOL among shifts, with the greatest difference between Shifts 3 and 4. Health and functioning, psychological and spiritual, and social and economic scores were lowest in Shift 4, which was significantly different from Shift 1 and Shift 3. We found significant associations between overall QOL and general health, and the scores from different domains. Satisfaction was moderate in all groups. The study revealed poor QOL among Shift 4 patients; hence, they need more support in clinical practice guidelines.

Spiritual Well-Being and Psychological Well-Being Among Hemodialysis Patients in Turkey: A Descriptive and Correlational Study

This study aimed to determine the psychological and spiritual well-being of hemodialysis patients in Turkey. This descriptive and correlational study included 86 hemodialysis patients. Data were collected using the Spiritual Well-Being Scale and Psychological Well-Being Scale. There was a positive correlation between spiritual and psychological well-being (r = 0.315, p = 0.003). Psychological well-being and age explained 39% of total variance (F = 7.593, p = 0.001). In conclusion, there should be provided individualized spiritual care and counseling to improve the psychological well-being of hemodialysis patients.

The Role of Spirituality in Anxiety and Psychological Resilience of Hemodialysis Patients in Turkey

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health problem that affects millions of people worldwide and its end-stage manifestation requires hemodialysis treatment, which can have a considerable impact on patients' mental health and quality of life. This study aims to examine the relationship between spirituality and anxiety, as well as spirituality and psychological resilience among hemodialysis patients using the iterative weighted least squares method. Participants included 91 hemodialysis patients, consisting of 49 females and 42 males, whose ages ranged from 20 to 82 years, with a mean age of 48 (SD = 14). The data were collected using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Spirituality Scale, and Brief Psychological Resilience Scale. Results indicated a weak positive relationship between spirituality and psychological resilience (t = 1.35, P = .183) and a moderate negative relationship between spirituality and anxiety (t = -2.84, P = .006). Furthermore, spirituality accounted for a 1% variance in psychological resilience and a 5% of the variance in anxiety. Additionally, patients' education level, gender, and whom they live with were relatively stronger correlates of psychological resilience, while the patient's education level, gender, marital status, whom they live with, presence of another patient at home receiving hemodialysis treatment were strong correlates of anxiety. This study emphasizes the need for comprehensive care that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of CKD management to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

The impact of anxiety and depression on the quality of life of hemodialysis patients in a sample from Somalia

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of the present study was to determine the quality of life (QoL), depression, and anxiety levels in kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) treatment and examine the impact of depression and anxiety on the QoL of these patients in a sample from Somalia.

METHODS

A sample of 200 patients with kidney failure who were undergoing HD treatment approximately two to three times a week was included. All participants were administered a sociodemographic data form, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHO-QOL-BREF). Subjects on HD for less than 3 months prior to the study date were excluded.

RESULTS

Of the kidney failure patients, 200 patients, aged 18-86 years (median: 50.0; IQR: 25.0), consented and participated in the study. 58.5% of the participants were men; 64% had a kidney failure duration of 1-5 years, and 52.6% had a HD duration of 1-5 years. Mild symptoms of depression were found in 48%, while moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms were found in 13.5% of HD patients. Depression and anxiety were found to be significantly correlated with overall QoL, physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental well-being. There were similar predictors of overall QoL, physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environmental well-being relating to socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, family income, anxiety, and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes the important role that anxiety, depression, and family income have in HD patients' QoL in Somalia. It highlights the significance of regular emotional assessment and efficient management in order to increase patient satisfaction. Future studies with larger samples are necessary for more accurate statistical analysis. To optimize patient care, a multidisciplinary healthcare team is recommended.

Economic Burden of Patients with End-Stage Kidney Disease and Their Caregivers: A Scoping Review

Hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatments impact the economic burden and psychological distress faced by end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients and their caregivers. This review aimed to discuss the concept of an economic burden and the economic burden of different treatment options, and to highlight research gaps regarding the scarcity of previous studies relating economic burden to psychological well-being. We searched five electronic databases for papers published in 2010-2020. Papers focusing on measures of the economic burden from the government's perspective and diseases other than ESKD were excluded. Out of the 6635 publications identified, 10 publications were included. Three categories of economic burden were identified, namely, direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs, and indirect costs. Direct medical costs required the highest expenditure, whereas the lowest economic burden was for indirect costs. HD patients incurred a higher economic burden than PD patients. Most of the studies were carried out in Asia. The results of the research suggest that the economic burden may affect patients and caregivers, but it is unclear whether the economic burden affects the psychological well-being of the patients and caregivers. Very few studies have assessed the relationship between economic burden and psychological well-being, and further research is needed to gain further insight into the relationship between these two variables.

Hope, quality of life, and psychological distress in patients on peritoneal dialysis: A cross-sectional study

Hope is a goal-directed thought that reflects the sense of control over uncertainties and can promote adjustment to chronic illness. This study aimed to assess the level of hope among patients on peritoneal dialysis and evaluate the association of hope with health-related quality of life and psychological distress. This cross-sectional study included 134 Chinese patients receiving peritoneal dialysis in Hong Kong. Patients' level of hope was assessed using the Adult Trait Hope Scale. Participants who were employed, had a higher income, and received automated peritoneal dialysis reported a higher hope score. Hope was found to have significant correlations with age and social support. A higher hope score was associated with better mental well-being and less severe depressive symptoms. Specific relationships between agency/pathway thinking and these outcomes were identified. The patient subgroups at risk for losing hope need to be identified and received early interventions to prevent adverse outcomes.

Factors associated with quality of life in patients with kidney failure managed conservatively and with dialysis: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Later stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with poorer self-perceived health-related quality of life (HRQOL), a major consideration for many patients. Psychological factors such as depression and anxiety have been linked with poorer HRQOL. We aimed to determine if anxiety or depressive symptoms are significantly associated with self-perceived health-related quality of life, in patients with CKD Stage 5. The secondary aim was to determine which patient-associated factors are associated with HRQOL in patients with CKD Stage 5.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients that attended the St George Hospital Kidney Supportive Care (KSC) clinic between 1 and 2015 and 30 June 2022 with CKD Stage 5 (either conservatively-managed or receiving dialysis). Patients completed surveys of their functional 'domains' and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) and symptom surveys (IPOS-Renal) at their first visit. We performed multivariable linear regression analysis with the outcome of interest being HRQOL, measured using the EQ-VAS, a continuous 100-point scale, for patients undergoing conservative management or dialysis. Pre-specified variables included age, sex, eGFR (for those conservatively-managed), "feeling depressed" (IPOS-Renal), "feeling anxious" (IPOS-Renal) and "anxiety/depression" (EQ-5D-5L).

RESULTS

We included 339 patients. 216 patients received conservative kidney management (CKM) and 123 patients received dialysis. Patients receiving CKM were significantly older than those on dialysis, (median age 83 years vs. 73 years, p < 0.001). For conservatively-managed patients, variables independently associated with poorer EQ-VAS were difficulty performing usual activities (EQ-5D-5L), drowsiness (IPOS-Renal) and shortness of breath (IPOS-Renal). For patients receiving dialysis, variables that were independently associated with poorer EQ-VAS were reduced ability to perform self-care (EQ-5D-5L) and lack of energy (IPOS-Renal). Anxiety and depressive symptoms were not significantly associated with poorer EQ-VAS for either group of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms associated with reduced HRQOL include shortness of breath, drowsiness and impaired functional ability. Optimization of multidisciplinary teams focusing on these issues are likely to be of benefit.

Influence of dialysis-related stigma on health-related indicators in Japanese patients undergoing hemodialysis

INTRODUCTION

Focusing on impacts to health-related indicators in older Japanese patients, this study analyzed both the direct influence of dialysis-related stigma and influences of its intersectionality with other stigmatized characteristics.

METHODS

Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 7461 outpatients in dialysis facilities. Other stigmatized characteristics include lower income, lower education, disabled activities of daily living, and diabetic end-stage renal disease (ESRD) as a cause for starting dialysis treatment.

RESULTS

The average rate of an "agree" response on dialysis-related stigma items was 18.2%. Dialysis-related stigma significantly influenced all three health-related indicators, including suspected depression, informal networks, and compliance with dietary therapy. In addition, each interaction between dialysis-related stigma and educational attainment, gender, and diabetic ESRD significantly influence one health-related indicator.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that dialysis-related stigma has both a significant direct and synergic influence with other stigmatized characteristics on health-related indicators.

The Effects of Dialysis Modality and Emotional Distress on Fatigue in Patients Undergoing Dialysis

INTRODUCTION

Fatigue is a common but often overlooked symptom in dialysis patients. Factors affecting fatigue in dialysis patients are currently unclear. There are few studies on the effects of mental factors and dialysis modality on fatigue. This study aims to explore the potential relationship between fatigue and insomnia, as well as psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression among patients who undergo peritoneal dialysis (PD) or hemodialysis (HD).

METHODS

There were 96 HD patients and 160 PD patients at our hospital who voluntarily participated in the survey. A questionnaire survey was conducted to gather general characteristics of the patients and to evaluate fatigue, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression levels among PD and HD patients.

RESULTS

The overall fatigue score was 53.83 ± 14.22 for the PD group and 57.92 ± 16.35 for the HD group. Notably, the fatigue level was lower in the PD group compared to the HD group (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis indicated that fatigue was associated with occupational status and income in the PD group, as well as educational level and income in the HD group (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that patients in both groups who were older and had higher scores for insomnia, anxiety, and depression experienced more severe fatigue. Moreover, body mass index was positively correlated with fatigue status in the PD group, while duration of dialysis showed a positive association with fatigue in the HD group. Multivariate regression analysis identified income and depression as major factors influencing fatigue in the PD group, and duration of dialysis, income, and depression in the HD group.

CONCLUSION

Patients who undergo dialysis exhibit high levels of fatigue, with the severity of fatigue being less pronounced in the PD group compared to the HD group. Fatigue in these patients is associated with the duration of dialysis, income level, and presence of depression.

Risk Factors of Anxiety among Hemodialyzed Patients in Ténès, Algeria: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to evaluate the level of anxiety and its risk factors among patients undergoing hemodialysis in the Ténès area, Chlef Province, Algeria. The survey was conducted on 45 hemodialyzed patients at the public hospital of Ténès (Ahmed Bourass). Sociodemographic data were collected using a questionnaire, and anxiety was diagnosed by the hospital anxiety and depression scale. Among 45 patients, 44.44% were anxious. Anxiety was significantly associated with profession and antidepressant treatment (P <0.05). The other factors were insignificantly related to anxiety, such as age, sex, education level, and comorbidities. Anxiety is prevalent among end-stage renal disease patients. Unemployment and medications were identified as the main risk factors. Multidisciplinary strategies need to be established to prevent the occurrence of anxiety and improve patients' quality of life.

Effects of live music during hemodialysis treatments in pediatric patients

BACKGROUND

Engaging chronically ill pediatric patients with live music has been associated with improved physiological and psychological well-being. However, the impact of live music during hemodialysis treatments has yet to be assessed, in particular in pediatric patients. This study focuses on the effects of live music therapy during chronic hemodialysis treatment.

METHODS

An experimental design with randomization was applied in this pilot study. A total of 16 participants with kidney failure requiring hemodialysis participated in the study. In addition to their usual care (N = 96 measurements), the patients in the experimental group listened to 30 min of live music during their hemodialysis procedure. The control group was observed for 30 min while they received their usual care (N = 96 measurements) and were exposed to a series of animated videos that were broadcast in the common room where hemodialysis treatment is performed. Data concerning heart rate, blood pressure, and levels of depression and anxiety were collected for analysis.

RESULTS

Live music significantly reduced heart rate (p < 0.05), systolic pressure (p < 0.05) and diastolic pressure (p < 0.05). The findings also highlighted that, after listening to live music, there was a significant decrease in anxiety and depression (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In our small study sample, live music improved some physiological and psychological indices in pediatric hemodialysis patients. Further research evaluating larger samples with longitudinal follow-up is required.

Designing family-based interventions in kidney failure: The perspectives of the triad 'patients on haemodialysis/family caregivers/healthcare professionals

OBJECTIVES

This study explored the perspectives of people undergoing in-centre haemodialysis, family caregivers, and healthcare professionals about the development and implementation of family-based interventions in renal care settings.

DESIGN

A qualitative exploratory study was carried out combining purposive and snowball sampling techniques.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were submitted to thematic analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 82 individuals (27 adults on haemodialysis, 32 family caregivers, and 23 healthcare professionals) participated in this study. Five major themes were identified: (i) educational needs (improve disease and treatment-related knowledge; acquire better clarification on dialysis-related health behaviours); (ii) support needs (easier access to available community resources and professional psychological support; additional emotional and instrumental support from family members); (iii) expected barriers (concerns about participating in a group format; availability of the person on haemodialysis/family caregiver dyad; travel to the intervention site and associated costs); (iv) expected benefits (mutual emotional validation and support; improve family coping skills and involvement); and (v) preferences for content and format (interdisciplinary and moderated by health psychologists) and timing of the intervention (weekends and/or non-dialysis days).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggested that interventions focused on the family system in kidney failure need to follow an interdisciplinary approach, combining psychosocial support with an educational component. Future research is needed to minimize barriers to the conjoint participation of the person on haemodialysis/caregiver dyad. This study identifies important intervention goals to inform the design of family-based interventions for people receiving haemodialysis and their family caregivers.

The Experience of Living with a Chronic Illness: A Qualitative Study among End-Stage Renal Disease Patients

The prevalence of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) has been rising over time and substantially affects morbidity and mortality. ESRD requires lifelong treatment, and as a result, patients experience multiple physical and psychosocial stressors. ESRD patients struggle to retain their jobs, social lives, financial flexibility, and diet restrictions of liquids and solid foods. The present study aims to understand the experiences of ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis. The study was conducted at Eldho Mor Baselious Dialysis Center in Perumbavoor, Kerala, in the hemodialysis outpatient unit. The Biopsychosocial model was used as the theoretical framework of the study. As the goal of the study was to investigate the inner experiences of ESRD patients, a qualitative research approach was employed. Twelve respondents were selected for the study using purposive sampling, and the data were organized and analyzed using Colaizzi's descriptive phenomenological method. Four theme categories emerged from data analysis: decline in physical function, psychosocial distress, economic hardships, and impact on the support system. The study shows that ESRD patients experience significant psychosocial and health-related issues. The role of the clinical social worker is vital as there is a need for social work interventions to resolve the psychosocial issues of patients with ESRD.

The relationship between illness perceptions and fluid-control adherence among Chinese hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study

Fluid-control adherence was important for hemodialysis (HD) patients, and while significant correlations between treatment adherence and illness perceptions have been found, there is limited research that explored the relationship between illness perceptions and fluid-control adherence. We sought to assess illness perceptions and fluid-control adherence and to explore the relationship between them among Chinese hemodialysis patients. A cross-sectional study of 253 Chinese HD patients was conducted. We recorded sociodemographic and disease characteristics, Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) responses, Fluid Control in Hemodialysis Patients Scale (FCHPS) scores and the interdialytic weight gain (IDWG). The total FCHPS score of hemodialysis patients was of a moderate level, and 45.85% hemodialysis patients' IDWG exceeded 3.0 kg. Regression analysis revealed that sex, academic level, marital status, treatment control dimension and causal (physical) factors of illness perceptions explained 12.7% variance in the total FCHPS score. Age, normalized whole-body urea clearance (Kt/V), dry weight (DW) residual urine volume (mL/24 h) and consequence dimension of illness perceptions explained 29.0% variance in IDWG. About mediating effect analysis, positive indirect effects on IDWG were found for identity, consequences and emotional representations through the attitude dimension of FCHPS, and negative indirect effects on IDWG were found for treatment control and illness coherence through the attitude dimension of FCHPS. The results demonstrated that some sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and illness perceptions were associated with fluid-control adherence, and the patient's attitude toward fluid control is an important mediator between illness perceptions and IDWG, implying that attitude can be a focus of intervention programs based on illness perceptions to improve Chinese HD patients' fluid-control adherence.

Effects of one-hour discussion on the choice of dialysis modality at the outpatient clinic: A retrospective cohort study using propensity score matching

BACKGROUND

The aim of present study was to evaluate the effects of one-hour discussion on the choice of dialysis modality at the outpatient clinic.

METHODS

Charts of consecutive patients who had started maintenance dialysis from May 2013 to April 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Characteristics at the start of dialysis were compared between patients participated and not participated in the discussion.

RESULTS

Of the 620 incident dialysis patients, 128 patients had participated in the discussion. After propensity score matching (1:1), 127 patients who participated in the discussion tended to have fewer urgent hospitalizations (13.4% vs. 21.3%, p = 0.068). In addition, more patients who initiated peritoneal dialysis (PD) (30.7% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, participation in the discussion (OR 4.81, 95% CI 2.807-8.24; p < 0.001) was related to PD initiation.

CONCLUSION

One-hour discussion on the choice of dialysis modality may increase PD initiations and decrease the number of urgent hospitalizations.

Role of self-management program based on 5A nursing model in quality of life among patients undergoing hemodialysis: a Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

Various nursing models are usually employed to achieve self-management and improve the quality of life in chronic conditions. Given its person-based characteristics, the 5 A nursing model can improve the quality of life of hemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the role of a self-management program based on the 5 A nursing model in the quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This clinical trial was conducted on hemodialysis patients in Iran. Random sampling was adopted to assign 60 patients to intervention and control groups. After the participants completed a demographic questionnaire and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF), routine measures were taken in the control group. However, the 5 A nursing model was implemented in the intervention group for three months. The self-care program was executed in face-to-face sessions or via phone calls and SMSs. After three months, the quality of life was measured again in both groups.

FINDINGS

There were significant differences after the intervention between the intervention and control groups in specific dimensions of quality of life, such as cognitive functions, symptoms, sleep, dialysis, social support, and renal complications (P < 0.05). The two groups also had significant differences in the general scores of quality of life (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The 5 A self-management intervention as a person-based model could improve self-care in hemodialysis patients. Nurses can implement this model to mitigate care costs, enhance interventions, and improve patients' quality of life.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20211103052955N1; 19/11/2021).

The Lived Self-Care Experiences of Patients Undergoing Long-Term Haemodialysis: A Phenomenological Study

The study aims to understand the lived self-care experiences of patients who have undergone long-term haemodialysis. The study adopts a qualitative phenomenological design. Data were collected for six months, from 1 July to 31 December 2020. Out of 90 outpatients in a haemodialysis clinic at a university hospital in Seoul, Korea, 11 patients who had received haemodialysis for more than 10 years were purposefully selected, and 9 of them took part in in-depth interviews. The main research question was, 'What was the experience of surviving long-term haemodialysis?' The study revealed four main themes surrounding the topic of self-care: (A) the desire to keep living despite challenges, (B) creating one's own dietary principles, (C) moving one's body with the remaining strength, and (D) moving toward independence. In the long-term self-care of haemodialysis patients, they shared personal observations on their disease and treatment process and their struggles to try to manage their own physical and emotional self-care. By exploring the experience of long-term haemodialysis, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding of their perceptions, emotions, and motivations. With this information, healthcare professionals can develop interventions and support strategies that are tailored to the specific needs of haemodialysis patients.

Quality of Life of Palestinian Patients on Hemodialysis: Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Background

Hemodialysis is life-saving and life-altering, affecting patients' quality of life. The management of dialysis patients often focuses on renal replacement therapy to improve clinical outcomes and remove excess fluid; however, the patient's quality of life is often not factored in.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the factors affecting the quality of life of patients on dialysis in Palestine using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-SFTM) questionnaire.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional observational study was conducted at multiple dialysis centers in Palestine, including 271 participants receiving renal replacement therapy. Demographics, socioeconomic, and disease status data were collected. The Arabic version of KDQOL-SFTM was used to assess dialysis patient quality of life. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS to find correlations among patient factors and the questionnaire's three main domains, the kidney disease component summaries (KDCS), mental component summaries (MCS), and physical component summaries (PCS).

Results

Mean KDCS, MCS, and PCS scores were 59.86, 47.10, and 41.15, respectively. KDC scores were lower among participants aged 40 years or older, with lower incomes, and with diabetes. PCS and MCS scores were lower among patients aged >40, less educated, and lower-income participants. There was a positive correlation between MCS and KDCS (r = 0.634, P-value <0.001), PCS and KDCS (r = 0.569, P-value <0.001), as well as MCS and PCS (r = 0.680, P-value <0.001).

Conclusion

In this study, the KDQOL-SFTM questionnaire revealed lower PCS scores among hemodialysis patients in Palestine. Furthermore, the three domains of the questionnaire were adversely affected by patient income and education status. In addition, physical role, work status, and emotional role showed the lowest scores among the three main domains. Therefore, continuous assessment of patients' quality of life during their journey of hemodialysis using the KDQOL-SFTM along with the clinical assessment will allow the healthcare professionals to provide interventions to optimize their care.

Quality of Life of Hemodialysis Patients in Greece: Associations with Socio-Economic, Anthropometric and Nutritional Factors

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious public health problem that, in recent decades, has taken on significant dimensions with serious effects on the quality of life (QoL) of patients. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate the QoL of a sample of hemodialysis patients in Greece and the possible correlations with socio-economic and anthropometric factors, as well as with adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD). During September-November 2019, one-hundred and five (n = 105) patients with end-stage CKD (63.4 ± 13.09 years of age) who were regularly monitored in five public and private hemodialysis units in the region of Attica, completed a demographic questionnaire, the MedDietScore questionnaire, and the KDQOL-SF questionnaire. Females presented worse QoL than males (p < 0.05), and older patients presented worse QoL than younger patients (p < 0.01). Patients of higher educational status presented better QoL scores than those of lower educational status (p < 0.01), while those with low financial status presented lower QoL scores than patients of middle and high financial status (p < 0.01). Obese patients had lower QoL scores than overweight patients (p < 0.05), and overweight males scored higher than normal weight males (p < 0.05). Age was negatively correlated to the total and most of the scales of QoL (p < 0.01). A majority of the patients (90.5%) showed a moderate adherence to MD, although "work status" was the only QoL scale that was correlated to MD. Age, educational status and financial status accounted for 28.1% of the variance in the KDQOL-SF total score. Hemodialysis patients need support in various levels, such as social, financial and educational, as well as nutritional counseling to adopt a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight, in order to achieve a better quality of life.

Exploring the lived experience of renal cachexia for individuals with end-stage renal disease and the interrelated experience of their carers: Study protocol

Renal cachexia is an important consideration in the person-centred care that is needed in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, given that clinical guidelines relating to renal cachexia are largely absent, this is an unmet care need. To inform guidelines and future renal service planning, there is an urgency to understand individuals’ experiences of renal cachexia and the interrelated experiences of the carers in their lives. We report here the protocol for an interpretative phenomenological study which will explore this lived experience. A purposive sampling strategy will recruit individuals living with ESRD who have cachexia and their carers. A maximum of 30 participants (15 per group) dependent on saturation will be recruited across two nephrology directorates, within two healthcare trusts in the United Kingdom. Individuals with renal cachexia undergoing haemodialysis will be recruited via clinical gatekeepers and their carers will subsequently be invited to participate in the study. Participants will be offered the opportunity to have a face-to-face, virtual or telephone interview. Interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. NVivo, will be used for data management. Ethical approval for this study was granted by the Office for Research Ethics Committees Northern Ireland (REC Reference: 22/NI/0107). Scientific evidence tends to focus on measurable psychological, social and quality of life outcomes but there is limited research providing in-depth meaning and understanding of the views of individuals with renal disease who are experiencing renal cachexia. This information is urgently needed to better prepare healthcare providers and in turn support individuals with ESRD and their carers. This study will help healthcare providers understand what challenges individuals with ESRD, and their carers face in relation to cachexia and aims to inform future clinical practice guidelines and develop supportive interventions which recognise and respond to the needs of this population.

Dialysis or kidney transplantation in older adults? A systematic review summarizing functional, psychological, and quality of life-related outcomes after start of kidney replacement therapy

BACKGROUND

In older patients, the choice between kidney transplantation (KT) and dialysis may be complicated because of a high prevalence of comorbidities and geriatric syndromes. Ideally, this decision-making process focusses on older patients' outcome priorities, which frequently include functional, psychological, and quality of life (QOL)-related outcomes.

PURPOSE

This systematic review aims to summarize functional, psychological (including cognition), and QOL-related outcomes after start of kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in older adults.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and Embase for research that investigated change in these variables after start of KRT in patients aged ≥ 60 years. Data were extracted using the summary measures reported in the individual studies. Risk of bias was assessed with the ROBINS-I tool.

RESULTS

Sixteen observational studies (prospective n = 9, retrospective n = 7; KT-recipients n = 3, dialysis patients n = 13) were included. The results show that QOL improves in the majority of the older KT recipients. After start of dialysis, QOL improved or remained stable for most patients, but this seems less prevalent than after KT. Functional status decreases in a substantial part of the older dialysis patients. Furthermore, the incidence of serious fall injuries increases after start of dialysis. Nutritional status seems to improve after start of dialysis.

CONCLUSION

The interpretability and comparability of the included studies are limited by the heterogeneity in study designs and significant risk of bias in most studies. Despite this, our overview of functional, psychological (including cognition), and QOL-related outcomes is useful for older adults and their clinicians facing the decision between KT and dialysis.

Interdialytic weight gain and educational/cognitive, counseling/behavioral and psychological/affective interventions in patients on chronic hemodialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This work aimed to shed light on the notorious debate over the role of an educational/cognitive/behavioral or psychological approach in the reduction of interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) in patients on chronic hemodialysis.

METHODS

Searches were run from 1975 to January 2022 on Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The search terms included "hemodialysis/haemodialysis" AND "adherence" AND ("fluid intake" OR "water intake") AND ("weight gain" OR "interdialytic weight gain" OR "IDWG") AND "patient-level interventions. Randomized controlled studies were eligible if they were in English, published in a peer-reviewed journal and regarded adults patients with on chronic hemodialysis for at least 6 months; compared educational/cognitive and/or counseling/behavioral or psychological interventions to no intervention on interdialytic weight gain. Outcome of interest was interdialytic weight gain. The review was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews in Health and Social Care (PROSPERO, ID number CRD42022332401).

RESULTS

Eighteen studies (1759 patients) were included in the analysis. Compared to the untreated group, educational/cognitive and/or counseling/behavioral interventions significantly reduced interdialytic weight gain with a pooled mean difference of - 0.15 kg (95% CI - 0.26, 30-0.05; P = 0.004). On the other hand, psychological/affective interventions reduced interdialytic weight gain with a pooled mean difference of - 0.26 kg (95% CI - 0.48, - 0.04; P = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Educational/cognitive, counseling/behavioral or psychological/affective interventions significantly reduced the interdialytic weight gain in patients on chronic hemodialysis, although such reduction did not appear to be clinically relevant on hard outcomes.

Challenges of End-Stage Renal Disease Patients in Ethiopia

Affecting all aspects of patients' lives, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) presents significant challenges. Individuals with ESRD face biological, psychological, economic, and social issues. ESRD patients in Ethiopia bear multifaceted burdens of multiple medical conditions, including comorbid hypertension, diabetes, cardiac problems, anemia, gastrointestinal issues, and bone and mineral disorders. The aim of this study was to address the gap in research on patients in Ethiopia with ESRD and examine biopsychosocial and economic challenges. A qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology design was employed. In-depth interviews were held with 10 women and 10 men. Major themes include the physical corollary of ESRD (e.g., fatigue), and psychological (e.g., fear of loss of capacity and/or occupation) and socioeconomic challenges (e.g., difficulty obtaining social and economic support). Along with complications of ESRD and side effects of dialysis, patients face trauma and social and economic repercussions. Social workers are well positioned to help manage associated biopsychosocial and economic challenges. The findings indicate the need for policies that promote multidisciplinary teams in working with patients who are diagnosed with ESRD.

Advocating for in-center hemodialysis patients via anonymous survey

We conducted an anonymous survey in 9 of our university affiliated outpatient dialysis units to address the concern that many in-center hemodialysis patients may not feel comfortable sharing their experiences. Major goals of this study: Investigating level of patient satisfaction with their care; Evaluating the subjective perception of the level of understanding of patients regarding pertinent issues of their disease and its management; Identifying potential avenues for care improvement. Survey was conducted in English, paper-based, with answer choices to individual questions for patient satisfaction and education graded using a 5-point Likert scale. Regarding potential areas of improvement, patients were asked to choose as many areas as deemed appropriate. To ensure anonymity, the completed surveys were folded and dropped into a box. Overall, 253 out of 516 (49%) screened patients were eligible and completed the survey. Patients expressed favorable responses regarding satisfaction (mean rating > 4 in each of 14 questions) and education (mean rating > 4 in 8 questions, > 3.5 in 2 questions) regarding hemodialysis. About 62% of overall study participants identified at least one area where they felt additional information would result in improvement of care. Our results indicate that patients undergoing outpatient hemodialysis were overall satisfied and had a good perceptive understanding about their health. Based on the patients' input, strategies focused on addressing pain and discomfort, privacy, providing information about palliative care/hospice, mental health resources, and the process of kidney transplantation may promote improvement in overall quality of care.