Problems among patients on hemodialysis in a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Hemodialysis is an effective renal replacement therapy for patients with renal failure. However, these patients are chronic and under long term hemodialysis. The present study was carried out to identify the problems among patients on hemodialysis visiting artificial kidney unit, PGIMER, Chandigarh. A descriptive approach was used to enroll 50 patients using total enumeration technique who were meeting inclusion criteria. A self-structured interview schedule and modified Caregiver Burden Inventory were used. The data was entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)20.0 The mean age of patients was 44.32±15.97 years with a range of 18–72 years. More than half of the patients (56%) were males and married. The study revealed that 86% of subjects had limitation of physical activities and tiredness (78%), dependence on family members (74%) and decreased participation in social activities (80%). These problems can be managed by early assessment and imparting health education. Therefore, emphasis could be given on educating home management of patients and resolving these problems.