Fatigue level of the Patients undergoing Scheduled for Regular Hemodialysis Sessions
Keywords:
Fatigue, Hemodialysis, Self-care, Quality of Life, End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD)Abstract
Background: Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom among patients undergoing regular hemodialysis, significantly impacting their quality of life. It manifests before, during, and after dialysis sessions, contributing to physical, psychological, and emotional challenges. Hemodialysis patients, particularly those with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), often experience a high burden of symptoms that negatively affect their daily functioning and self-care practices.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of fatigue among patients undergoing scheduled hemodialysis sessions and to explore the relationship between fatigue and certain demographic variables, such as age, sex, and level of education.
Methodology: A quantitative descriptive design was employed, with data collected from 100 hemodialysis patients at Al-Sader Medical City in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf, Iraq. Participants were selected based on specific criteria, including age (30-60 years), duration of hemodialysis (more than one year), and frequency of sessions (three times per week). The Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) was used to measure fatigue levels, and sociodemographic and clinical data were collected to analyze potential correlations.
Results: The findings revealed that the majority of hemodialysis patients experienced significant levels of fatigue, with physical exhaustion being the most prominent symptom. Mental fatigue and reduced motivation were also prevalent. No statistically significant relationships were found between fatigue levels and demographic variables such as age, sex, or education level. However, the study highlighted that fatigue severely impacts patients' ability to perform self-care activities, leading to a decline in overall quality of life.
Conclusion: Fatigue is a critical issue among hemodialysis patients, directly affecting their self-care capabilities and quality of life. Addressing fatigue through targeted interventions, such as nutritional and exercise programs, is essential to improve patient outcomes.
Recommendations: It is recommended that healthcare providers implement educational and therapeutic programs focused on reducing fatigue in hemodialysis patients. These programs should include guidance on proper nutrition, physical activity, and energy conservation techniques to enhance self-care practices and overall well-being
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