Factors Associated With Fatigue in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Abstract

Background and objectiveFatigue is frequently experienced by patients undergoing hemodialysis and it has a negative effect on their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with fatigue in patients undergoing hemodialysis. MethodsIn this quantitative cross-sectional study, 100 patients on hemodialysis participated. Fatigue was evaluated via the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). Participants also completed a questionnaire about demographics and clinical characteristics. The Kruskal-Wallis test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman's rho criterion were used to assess the association between fatigue score and patient characteristics. Multiple linear regression was performed to assess the effect of the characteristics on patients' fatigue. ResultsStatistically significant high levels of physical or mental fatigue were found in older patients (p=0.001 and p=0.001), divorced/widowed patients (p=0.001 and p=0.014), those who had children (p=0.019), those who had primary education (p=0.015), those who were not informed about their health problems (p=0.003 and p=0.006), those who had comorbid diseases (p=0.001 and p=0.001), those who believed that regular information did not help to reduce stress (p=0.005 and p=0.004), patients who had insomnia (p=0.001 and p=0.001), patients who felt tired after hemodialysis (p=0.001 and p=0.001), those who thought they had a change in body image (p=0.001 and p=0.001), those who often felt stiffness (p=0.001 and p=0.001), those who sometimes felt nausea (p=0.015 and p=0.038), and those who had limitations in the clothes they could wear (p=0.001 and p=0.001). ConclusionsThe findings of this study showed that physical or mental fatigue had a strong association with advanced age, comorbidities, marital status, level of education, inadequate information about the disease, insomnia, and change in body appearance. Hence, renal professionals need to properly educate dialysis patients on the complicated nature of fatigue in order to manage it effectively and improve their physical, cognitive, and social wellbeing.

Factors Affecting Pain in Hemodialysis and Non-pharmacological Management

“…In uremic restless leg syndrome, symptoms of muscle atrophy have been identified [ 21 ]. Dialysis patients with restless leg syndrome usually have high levels of fatigue [ 22 ] and sleep disorders [ 12 ].…”

Far-infrared stimulation of Neiguan acupoints improves heart rate variability and ameliorate fatigue in hemodialysis patients: A randomized trial

“…1,2 Symptoms of HD-induced fatigue encompass tiredness, weakness, and lack of energy. 3 These symptoms not only increase the risk of depression, disability (through sarcopenia), and mortality [4][5][6] but also positively correlate with factors such as insomnia, social isolation, and inadequate information about their medical conditions. 3 Additionally, HD patients frequently exhibit reduced heart rate variability (HRV), indicating dysregulated autonomous nervous systems.…”

“…3 These symptoms not only increase the risk of depression, disability (through sarcopenia), and mortality [4][5][6] but also positively correlate with factors such as insomnia, social isolation, and inadequate information about their medical conditions. 3 Additionally, HD patients frequently exhibit reduced heart rate variability (HRV), indicating dysregulated autonomous nervous systems. 7 Dysregulated autonomic nervous system (ANS) exacerbates the severity of fatigue via disturbing sleep rhythm and further augment the symptom of fatigue.…”

The relationship between fatigue, pruritus, and thirst distress with quality of life among patients receiving hemodialysis: a mediator model to test concept of treatment adherence

“…Its prevalence among patients receiving hemodialysis is 60–80% 12 . The contributing factors to fatigue among these patients include anemia, uremia, inappropriate diet, hemodialysis inefficiency, sedentary lifestyle, sleep pattern disorders, fluid restriction, dehydration, and other comorbid conditions 13 , 14 . Fatigue can lead to mental and physical weakness, non-adherence to medications, absence from hemodialysis sessions, depression, and heavy costs for patients and societies 15 , 16 .…”