Assessment of Fatigue and Associated Factors in Patients Undergoing Haemodialysis.

Abstract

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a growing global health concern, with a prevalence rate of 8–10%, significantly impacting the lives of patients, particularly those undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Fatigue is a common and debilitating symptom in this population, influencing their physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the extent and severity of fatigue among patients receiving hemodialysis and explore the relationship between fatigue levels and various demographic, treatment-related, and socio-economic factors. Methods: A descriptive survey design was employed in a selected Hospital, Bangalore. A total of 30 HD patients were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the Piper Fatigue Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were used for analysis.

Results: Among the 30 participants, 47% experienced mild fatigue, 40% moderate fatigue, and 13% severe fatigue. The majority of participants were over 60 years (47%) and male (60%). Significant association were found between fatigue levels and personal habits (p ≤ 0.05), while other variables such as age, educational qualification, marital status, co-morbid illness, income, and duration of dialysis showed no statistically significant relationship.

Conclusion: Fatigue is a prevalent and multi-dimensional issue among HD patients, with varying degrees of severity. While several demographic factors influence fatigue, lifestyle factors such as exercise habits demonstrated a significant impact. These findings underscore the importance of individualized fatigue management strategies to enhance the quality of life among hemodialysis patients.