Common Factors Affecting Physical Function Level among Hemodialysis Patients

Document Type : Original articles

Authors

1 Clinical Instructors of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing Faculty of Nursing - Minia University

2 Assistant Professor of Medical Surgical Nursing Faculty of Nursing - Minia University

3 Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine Department Faculty of Medicine - Minia University

4 Lecturer of Medical Surgical Nursing Faculty of Nursing - Minia University

Abstract

Background: Hemodialysis dependency in end-stage renal disease often results in reduced physical functioning and poor health outcomes. Aim of the Study: This study aims to assess common factors affecting physical function level among hemodialysis patients. Research Design: Descriptive cross-sectional research design. Subjects: The study involved a purposive sample of 102 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Setting: The research was conducted at the Hemodialysis unit of Minia University Hospital in Minia Governorate. Tools: Data was collected using three tools: 1) A structured interview assessment sheet covering socio-demographic characteristics. 2) The ShortForm-36 (SF-36) Physical Functioning (PF) scale. And 3) an assessment sheet identifying factors affecting physical functioning in hemodialysis patients. Results: The results indicated that 37.3% of patients experienced high disability, while 62.7% had low disability according to the SF-36 scores. Significant associations were observed between physical function and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.001), vitamin supplementation (p = 0.023), and muscle strength (p = 0.008). However, no significant associations were found with other nutritional factors, comorbidities, renal replacement therapy-related factors, or depression status. There was a positive correlation between albumin levels and physical functioning (r = 0.230, p = 0.020).  Conclusion: This study highlights that physical function in ambulatory hemodialysis patients is significantly influenced by BMI, nutritional factors such as vitamin supplementation, and muscle strength. Recommendations: improving nutritional intake, maintaining healthy body weight, and enhancing muscle strength to mitigate physical disability in this population. Regular monitoring of clinical parameters such as albumin and hemoglobin levels should also be prioritized

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