mHealth intervention and health-related quality of life for haemodialysis patients in selected counties of Kenya

Abstract

Increasingly, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming a public health challenge ranking 12th most common cause of death in the world. Prolonged CKD leads to end stage renal disease ultimately requiring dialysis. Undoubtedly, end stage renal disease significantly reduces health related quality of life (QoL). Many haemodialysis patients in Africa lack focused educational and follow up support in their treatment journey due to weak health systems. Evidence shows potential benefits of mHealth in improving overall medical outcomes among haemodialysis patients. Despite foreseeable benefits of mHealth, scanty information is available on its effectiveness in improving knowledge, treatment adherence, lifestyle change and overall health related QoL in Kenya. The general objective of this study will be to establish the effect of mHealth intervention on health-related QoL for haemodialysis patients. The specific objectives will be to study the effect of mHealth on: knowledge of self-management, adherence to haemodialysis treatment, stress management, life style change for haemodialysis patients and the combined effect of mHealth on health-related QoL. The study design will be quasi experimental with intervention and control sites. Data will be described using proportions, means, medians and other measures of central tendency. Effect will be quantified by use of student t tests, odds ratios, and difference in differences statistics. Its envisaged that the findings of this study will redound to development of large scale mHealth based medical education platform for haemodialysis patients with potential for scale as a critical public health intervention.