Effects and Predictors of Kidney Disease Quality of life among patients on hemodialysis in Oman

Introduction: Worldwide, the incidence of End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is increasing progressively in both developed and developing countries (National Kidney Foundation, 2002). Globally, the prevalence of chronic renal failure among diabetes has increased to 30% and rest of them progress to cardiovascular disease (American Diabetes Association, 2002). A study conducted in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region found that that diabetes is the leading cause of end stage renal failure with the prevalence of 30% in Bahrain, 14.5% in Oman, and 60% in Saudi Arabia(Atta et al, 2008). ESRD affects patients? quality of life associated with poor health status leading to deterioration in life expectancy, productivity, exhaustion of health care resources among others (Al-Lawati, 2008).Purpose of the study: To determine the kidney disease quality of life among patients on hemodialysis in Oman so as to design an intervention that will improve their quality of life in ESRD. Specific objectives: The objectives of the study are to: a) Assess the effects of kidney disease on the daily life of patients receiving hemodialysis in Oman. b) Determine the predictors of quality of life among patients receiving hemodialysis c) Determine the level of satisfaction of care provided to the patients receiving hemodialysis in Oman. Significance According to Oman Ministry of Health [MOH] (2013), renal failure cases in Oman are increasing and the country needs to reduce on health expenditure estimated to about 8-11 million pounds per year for renal replacement therapy. Although Oman is enjoying the free health care services offered by the Sultanate of Oman making health care services accessible for rich and poor, this health expenditure will soon affect the distribution of health care resources (Dor, 2007). A concerted effort to address ESRD related health expenditures is imperative by first of all assessing the kidney quality of life among hemodialysis patients.Findings from this study will help provide future direction intended for health care providers to improve the quality of life among patients receiving hemodialysis in Oman. The study will also provide future direction on research among caregivers of patients receiving hemodialysis to determine their burden and quality of life while in the care of patients. It is hoped that, findings of this study will be helpful to develop strategies that will be used to reduce on health related expenditures in Oman. Methodology: Research design: This will be a cross sectional study conducted in Oman with the use of Kidney disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-SFTM, Version 1.3) standardized tool developed by RAND Corporation (Hays et al., 1995). This questionnaire will be administered to a sample of 205 patients receiving hemodialysis in Sultan Qaboos and Bowsher Hospital dialysis units. Data will be collected, analyzed and descriptive statistics run all the variables to answer the research questions.