Financial toxicity in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis

Abstract Objective: To investigate financial toxicity (FT) and the factors influencing it in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. From August 2023 to December 2023, 148 PD patients were selected for investigation. The selection was conducted using the convenience sampling method across Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, and The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. Patients’ financial toxicity was assessed using a general demographic questionnaire, laboratory test results, and the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity-Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (COST-FACIT). t tests, ANOVA, Pearson χ 2 test, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the predictors of FT in patients with PD. Results: Seventy-nine patients (53.38%) had mild FT, and 61 patients (41.21%) had moderate FT. Age, working status, monthly household income per capita, and PD-related complications were significantly associated with FT in PD patients ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: There were varying degrees of FT in PD patients. Measuring FT can help medical professionals develop treatment care strategies, reduce the financial burden on patients, and avoid treatment interruption.