The determinants of health related quality of life of patients on maintenance haemodialysis at Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Health related quality of life (HRQOL) is increasingly being recognised as a primary outcome measure in the treatment of end stage renal disease. In addition to being an important surrogate marker of quality of care in patients on maintenance haemodialysis, HRQOL measures have being shown to be robust predictors of mortality and morbidity. Objective: To determine the health related quality of life and its determinants in patients on maintenance haemodialysis at the Kenyatta National Hospital. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Setting: Renal unit, Kenyatta National Hospital Subjects: Adult patients with end stage renal disease on maintenance haemodialysis. Results: The mean physical composite summary and mental composite summary scores were 39.09±9.49 and 41.87±10.56 respectively. The burden of kidney disease sub-scale, symptom and problems sub-scale and effect of kidney disease on daily life sub-scale scores were 16.15±21.83, 73.46±18.06 and 67.63±23.45 respectively. No significant correlations were found between the health-related quality of life scores, socio-demographic and clinical factors assessed. Conclusion: The health-related quality of life of patients on maintenance haemodialysis is reduced. The physical quality of life is more affected than the mental quality of life. No independent determinants of health-related quality of life were identified.