Characterization of CKD illness representation profiles using patient-level factors

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Psychology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Illness perceptions significantly influence patient outcomes, including coping and adherence.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) management requires understanding individual patient perspectives.
• Identifying distinct illness perception profiles can aid in personalized patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore characteristics defining illness perception cluster groups in adults with CKD.
• To identify patient profiles based on their unique perspectives of chronic kidney disease.
• To understand the drivers of group membership in CKD patient illness perception clusters.

Main Methods:

• Utilized cross-sectional data from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC) Study.
• Employed the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire for data collection.
• Conducted clustering analysis and bivariate analyses including linear regression.

Main Results:

• Identified three distinct illness perception groups: "Disengaged" (n=20), "Well-Resourced" (n=108), and "Distressed" (n=69).
• The "Well-Resourced" group showed high CKD knowledge and medication adherence, while the "Distressed" group reported higher symptom burden and depression.
• "Disengaged" individuals had low CKD knowledge and perceived burden, with frequent hospitalizations. Group membership predicted hospitalization days.

Conclusions:

• Illness perception groups in CKD patients are linked to hospitalization frequency.
• These perception groups appear independent of many common patient characteristics.
• Tailoring medical care to specific illness perception profiles may improve health outcomes for at-risk CKD patients.