Analysis of factors affecting rehabilitation in chronic hemodialysis patients

Abstract EN

Objectives : To analyze factors influencing the physical activity and working status of adult patients suffering from end-stage renal disease in two large dialysis units affiliated to the Royal Medical Services in Jordan.

Methods : Two hundred hemodialysis patients were evaluated.

There were 108 (54 %) males and 92 (46 %) females.

The mean age of the study population was 44.8 years and the mean duration of hemodialysis was 44 months.

The work/employment scale and Karnofski activity scale were applied to classify'patients into working/non-working and functionally able/disabled groups.

Results : According to Karnofski activity scale, 64 (32 %) patients were disabled (scored less than 70).

Their comorbidity index was 1.5 compared to 0.7for patients who scored above 70 (p < 0.001).

Analysis of factors showed that age (p < 0.002), diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001) and serum albumin (p < 0.001) correlated significantly with physical activity.

Utilizing the work/employment scale, 42 (21 %) patients were employed or attending a full time school and the rate of their employment correlated significantly with the level of education (< 0.001), age (p < 0.03) and with prior renal transplant (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion : Significant proportions of chronic hemodialysis patients are functionally disabled and their employment is sub-optimal.

The elderly, diabetic patients with high comorbidity index, and patients with low serum albumin are most likely to have poor functional status than their respective counterparts.

The well educated, young and those with prior renal transplant are more likely to be employed.