Factors affecting the quality of life for patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa: A descriptive survey

BACKGROUND: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a world-wide public health problem that requires renal replacement therapy in the form of dialysis. Although dialysis prolongs the patients’ lifespan, it is not necessarily associated with an improved quality of life (QoL). AIM: To determine the factors affecting the QoL of patients with ESRD on dialysis. SETTING: The study was conducted in three public sector hospitals in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. METHODS: A convenience sample of 316 participants was used. The World Health Organization – QoL Biomedical Research and Education Foundation (WHOQOL-BREF) instrument was used and adapted to include economic factors. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Majority had poor QoL through economic (98.1%), psychological (94.6%), physical (70.3%), and social factors (55.1%). Factors affecting their QoL were influenced by the type of dialysis, and statistical significances were noted in psychological and social factors (p < 0.0001), with those on peritoneal dialysis being affected the most. Overall, majority of patients (91.7%, n = 288) had a score of less than 50, which indicated poor QoL. CONCLUSION: Poor QoL is associated with increased risk of mortality and hospitalisation in patients with ESRD and is mainly influenced by a broad range of dimensions of life. CONTRIBUTION: In addressing challenges encountered by patients, study findings may influence the policymakers to intervene in view of all the dimensions of QoL, to prolong life.