Facts and Factors Affecting Quality of Life of Patients Undergoing Haemodialysis: A Review

In India diabetes and hypertension contribute to 40-60 of chronic kidney disease CKD cases. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research ICMR the prevalence of diabetes among adults has reached 7.1 ranging from 5.8 in Jharkhand to 13.5 in Chandigarh. Among urban populations over 40 years this prevalence can rise to 28. Hypertension affects about 17 of adults with rural prevalence at 14.8 and urban at 21.4. A 17.4 prevalence among adults aged 20-59 in a Delhi slum-resettlement colony has been reported. The increasing burden of these comorbidities makes individuals with CKD a priority for targeted interventions. CKD affects around two million people in India many of whom require dialysis or kidney transplantation. However only 10-12 receive dialysis mainly due to financial barriers or limited access. Even among urban patients with access frequent dialysis remains unaffordable. The Bangalore Kidney Foundation BKF addresses this gap by offering free or subsidized dialysis services along with medicines nutrition and diagnostics enabling patients to receive regular care. For those ineligible for transplantation this support allows for a more stable functional life. The World Health Organization WHO defines quality of life QOL as an individualrsquos perception of their position in life shaped by cultural context and value systems. QOL encompasses various domains including health employment environment education relationships spirituality and personal safety-making it an essential consideration in chronic illness management especially for patients undergoing lifelong dialysis.nbsp