Identification of hemodialysis patients' common problems using the International Classification of Functioning,...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Maintenance hemodialysis (HD) is a life-sustaining treatment for end-stage renal disease.
• Patients on long-term HD often face complex health challenges impacting their daily lives.
• Understanding these challenges is crucial for improving patient care and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify common health problems in Japanese patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.
• To utilize the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework for a comprehensive assessment.
• To explore the influence of HD duration and age at initiation on reported health issues.

Main Methods:

• A multi-stage approach using the ICF checklist was employed.
• Initial interviews with 32 HD patients informed the development of a final checklist.
• The final ICF checklist was administered to 104 Japanese patients on maintenance HD.

Main Results:

• Over 50% of patients reported problems in "Body functions" (10 categories) and "Body structures" (3 categories).
• Over 30% reported restrictions or barriers in "Activities and participation" (2 categories) and "Environmental factors" (4 categories).
• Longer HD duration and earlier HD initiation correlated with more "Body functions" and "Body structures" problems; shorter duration linked to relationship issues.

Conclusions:

• Japanese patients on maintenance HD experience a wide range of physical and psychosocial problems.
• The duration of hemodialysis and the age at which it began are significant factors influencing patient-reported health issues.
• The ICF framework effectively captures the multifaceted health problems faced by HD patients.