The Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment among Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Study in Saudi...

Cognitive impairment, affecting people's ability to manage chronic diseases and perform daily tasks, is a growing global public health concern. No related research has been conducted in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.

This study aims to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment and its associated factors among hemodialysis patients living in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 hemodialysis patients in three dialysis centers in the region using an interview questionnaire and the patients' medical files. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, and dialysis-related characteristics as well as the mini-mental state examination were obtained.

The participants' median age was 58 years, 56.2% were males, and the prevalence of cognitive impairment was 29.5%. The factors associated with cognitive impairment were female sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-6.43; P = 0.035), inability to read and write (AOR = 12.44; 95% CI: 3.45-44.84; P < 0.001), diabetes (AOR = 3.29; 95% CI: 1.28-8.47; P = 0.013), and moderate anemia (AOR = 3.44; 95% CI: 1.00-11.82; P = 0.050).

Cognitive impairment is prevalent among hemodialysis patients. Early detection and management of cognitive impairment among hemodialysis patients are highly recommended, particularly for those with the four mentioned factors.