Health-related quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease: Does it improve after initiation of haemodialysis? A single-centre study from South India

Abstract

Background. In recent years, research on quality of life has emerged as a valuable tool in assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions in chronic kidney disease. This study aims to assess the health-related quality of life among patients with chronic kidney disease, and draw comparisons between haemodialysis and non-dialysis patients.

Methods. This is a prospective questionnaire-based observational study involving 148 patients (81 haemodialysis and 67 non-dialysis patients) with chronic kidney disease (Stage 3-5D) conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India over six months (July 2023-December 2023). The instrument used was the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form-36.

Results. The overall mean health-related quality of life score was better among non-dialysis patients compared to haemodialysis patients. A reduction in various domains, including physical functioning (p < 0.014), role limitations due to physical health (p < 0.001), role limitations due to emotional problems (p < 0.001) and social functioning (p < 0.007) were observed in the haemodialysis group. In our population, age, gender, employment status and socioeconomic classes were found to be independent predictors of health-related quality of life.

Conclusion. This study highlights the deleterious impact of chronic kidney disease on health-related quality of life, with more significant deterioration among patients undergoing haemodialysis compared to non-dialysis patients. Further, this study advocates potential areas of target for therapeutic intervention.