Abstract
Background:
Quality of life (QoL) serves as a critical metric for evaluating the well-being of individuals undergoing hemodialysis. This study sought to identify the factors that impact QoL in hemodialysis patients using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 (KDQOL-36) questionnaire.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 74 hemodialysis patients at our institution between August 2021 and August 2024. Participants completed the KDQOL-36, Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Demographic and clinical variables were collected. Statistical methods, including descriptive analysis, correlation testing, and multiple regression, were used to determine factors linked to KDQOL-36 outcomes.
Results:
The average age of participants was 57.59 ± 13.61 years, with a median dialysis duration of 36.0 (12.0–76.5) months. The subscale scores on the KDQOL-36 were as follows: Symptoms/Problems List (S): median 78.1 (IQR = 65.6–87.5), Effects of Kidney Disease (E): median 59.4 (IQR = 43.8–71.9), Burden of Kidney Disease (B): median 43.8 (IQR = 31.3–62.5), SF-12 Physical Component Summary (PCS): mean 41.35 ± 8.49, and SF-12 Mental Component Summary (MCS): mean 46.73 ± 11.66. Regression analysis identified age, dialysis duration, hemoglobin levels, depression severity, and social support as key predictors of QoL across the KDQOL-36 subscales.
Conclusion:
Several factors contribute to the QoL of hemodialysis patients. Interventions addressing modifiable factors such as anemia, depression, and social support enhancement could potentially improve the overall QoL for this patient group.
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