Quality of life, sleep quality, and psychological wellbeing of patients with chronic kidney disease in Sabaragamuwa Province, Sri Lanka: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), characterized by progressive kidney damage and declining function, affects approximately 850 million people (13.4%) worldwide. Despite its high prevalence (9.9% to 18.3% %) in low- and middle-income countries (LMCs), its impact on quality of life, sleep, and psychological well-being remains underexplored, especially in the South Asian region. This study examines these factors among a cohort of patients with CKD in the Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 153 adults with CKD from two hospitals in the Sabaragamuwa province. Data were collected through a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire of patient demographics, the EuroQol EQ-5D-5 L Quality of Life (QoL) assessment, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Most participants reported poor QoL (58%; mean EQ-5D-5 L index = 0.634 ± Standard Deviation (SD) 0.274), with 74% experiencing poor perceived sleep quality (mean Global PSQI = 9.13; median = 9, Inter Quartile Range (IQR) = 5–13). Nearly half (46%) reported depression (median = 8, IQR = 6–12), and 52% experienced anxiety (median = 8, IQR = 4–14). However, stress levels were predominantly normal (81%; median = 6, IQR = 4–12). The findings reveal that most patients with CKD in the selected hospitals in Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka experienced poor QoL and poor sleep quality, alongside notable levels of depression and anxiety. This emphasizes the need for comprehensive interventions addressing both physical and mental health among patients with CKD.