RESUMO
Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are global health concerns, with ESRD requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). Hemodialysis is a prevalent modality for RRT. However, access to hemodialysis is challenging for rural patients due to geographical barriers and limited nephrology services. This research aims to identify factors influencing adherence to hemodialysis sessions among rural ESRD patients, addressing travel, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study of 154 participants was conducted from July 06 to September 10, 2023 at Al-Jaber Dialysis Center in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. It included adult CKD patients on hemodialysis who were interviewed to assess factors influencing hemodialysis adherence using a structured questionnaire. Results Our study assessed hemodialysis adherence in 154 patients in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Gender distribution was nearly equal (male = 54.5%), with the majority aged 41-60, married, and residing in downtown areas. Hypertension (43.9%) and diabetes (32.3%) were the prevalent comorbidities. Most patients received thrice-weekly dialysis (96.15%), with family cars as the primary transportation mode (55.2%). Hypertension (43.3%) and diabetic nephropathy (40.9%) were the leading causes of CKD. Approximately 26% missed dialysis, with health issues and transportation difficulties being common reasons. Notably, adherence correlated with female gender, lower education, and family car transportation mode. Social support significantly influenced adherence, highlighting its importance in maintaining hemodialysis adherence. Conclusion Our study identified various sociodemographic and dialysis-related factors influencing adherence among hemodialysis patients in the Al-Ahsa region, Saudi Arabia. Notably, factors such as gender, education level, and transportation means significantly influenced adherence. Adequate family and social support were associated with better adherence. These findings highlight the importance of tailored interventions addressing these factors to enhance hemodialysis adherence and ultimately improve patient outcomes in this population.
RESUMO
Objective This study aims to measure the prevalence of diabetic neuropathy (DN) in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and to explore the impact of DN on quality of life (QoL) in type 1 and type 2 DM patients in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study targeted type 1 and type 2 DM patients who live in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Self-reported online questionnaires distributed randomly on social media were used. The survey included three parts: sociodemographic data, the Self-Administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS) questionnaire, and the modified Arabic Diabetes Quality of Life (DQoL) questionnaire. The data have been collected from April 2022 to May 2022. Results The study included participants (n = 329) of both type 1 and type 2 DM. Patients' age ranged from 18 to 82 years with a mean age of 45.9 ± 15.2 years. A total of 166 (50.5%) patients were males and 319 (97%) were Saudi nationals. The prevalence of DN in the study population was 44.1%. Of the patients with DN, 73.1% have low QoL, which means DN increased the risk of low QoL by about four times (OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 2.5-6.3). Conclusion In conclusion, the study showed that the prevalence of DN in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia was 44.1%. The presence of DN was associated with reduced QoL. Type 2 DM, low educational level, and the presence of other comorbidities were significantly associated with low QoL.
