Understanding Patient Perspectives and Awareness of the Impact and Treatment of Anemia with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Patient Survey in China

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that may reduce patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study explored the experience and knowledge of patients with CKD, with and without anemia, in China. METHODS: A quantitative online survey was administered to 500 consenting Chinese patient volunteers aged ≥18 years with self-reported CKD, with or without anemia, between August 29, and September 17, 2018. Patients with cancer were excluded. The 27-question survey explored knowledge of anemia, HRQoL, anemia management, and interactions with healthcare providers. RESULTS: Of 456 evaluable patients, 148 (32.5%) reported having anemia and 262 (57.5%) did not. Knowledge of anemia and its symptoms varied, and approximately half of all patients did not know their hemoglobin level. Patients with anemia expressed an adverse impact of anemia on HRQoL, most commonly lack of energy (65.5%), sadness/depression (54.1%), and feeling ill (50.0%). The most frequently reported treatments among these patients were dietary advice (68.9%), iron supplements (63.5%), and oral medications (53.4%). Although 89.2% of patients with anemia trusted their healthcare providers above other information sources, only 29.0% reported seeking information from them; this was despite 92.6% reporting wanting further information and support about managing conditions like anemia. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that patients with CKD, both with and without anemia, would benefit from increased awareness of anemia and more in-depth discussions with healthcare providers in order to facilitate better management of CKD and optimization of treatment plans.