ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the quality of life (QOL) in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Primary Objective: The primary objective of the study is to assess the QOL using the kidney disease QOL-short form™ questionnaire in CKD. Secondary Objective: The secondary objective of the study is to assess the functional status of CKD patients. Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted for 6 months in a tertiary care hospital in South India. Of 201 patients enrolled in the study, 137 were males and 64 were females, aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with 3–5 and 5D stages of CKD were included in the study. Patient data were collected from the patient’s medical records and QOL was assessed by the kidney disease quality of life-short form (KDQOL-SF) questionnaire. QOL rating % criteria was determined by Karnofsky performance status scale. The p=0.05 was considered significant. Results: The present study has assessed all the domains of KDQOL in the study subjects. The result indicated that health-related QOL (HRQOL) is poor in patients in stage 5 and HD. Hence, QOL was found to be low for most dimensions in stages of CKD. No statistically significant difference was found among the patients in various stages of CKD. Conclusion: The HRQOL of the patients was done using KDQOL-SF 36 (includes a 36-item health survey) and the study indicates that HRQOL declines with advanced stages of CKD (HRQOL is poor in patients who are on dialysis).