Evaluation of Constipation and Quality of Life Among Individuals Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Single-Center...

Aim: To assess the prevalence of constipation, dietary fiber intake, and their association with QoL among HD patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 35 adults undergoing maintenance HD at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Constipation was assessed using the Rome IV criteria and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). QoL was evaluated using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-36), and dietary fiber intake was estimated from three 24-h dietary recalls and a validated Dietary Fiber Intake Short Food Frequency Questionnaire (DFI-FFQ). Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and correlation coefficients (p < 0.05). Results: Constipation prevalence was 32%. Stool frequency was <3 per week in 14% of participants, 3-4 per week in 23%, and 7 per week in 63%. Mean fiber intake was 9.8 ± 4.8 g/day (24-h recall) and 8.6 ± 4.3 g/day (DFI-FFQ), with all participants classified as low fiber consumers. KDQOL-36 domain scores were highest for "effect of kidney disease" (80.4 ± 16.1) and lowest for "physical health" (40.4 ± 12.4). No significant associations were found between constipation, fiber intake, demographic or clinical variables, or any QoL domain (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Constipation is common among Saudi HD patients, yet not significantly linked to fiber intake or QoL in this small cohort. Larger multicenter studies are needed to identify determinants and guide evidence-based interventions.