Fatigue experienced by patients receiving maintenance dialysis in hemodialysis units

Santhna Letchmi*, Srijit Das, Hasliza Halim, Farid Azizul Zakariah, Hamidah Hassan, Samsiah Mat, Ruth Packiavathy

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The fatigue that is observed in patients who are undergoing dialysis is usually associated with an impaired quality of life. The present cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2009 in three hemodialysis units in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In this study, the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and Depression Anxiety and Stress Score 21 were used to determine the level of fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stress of patients who were undergoing dialysis. The data were obtained from a calculated sample of 116 and a total of 103 respondents participated in the study. A total of 56 (54.4%) and 47 (45.6%) respondents experienced a high level and a low level of fatigue, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the duration of treatment and the level of fatigue. The respondents who had been receiving treatment for >2years experienced more fatigue, compared to the respondents who had been undergoing hemodialysis for >2years. There was a significant difference in relation to the age of the participants regarding the level of fatigue. No significant relationship between the sex of the participants, anemia, depression, anxiety, stress, and the level of fatigue was observed. Special attention needs to be paid to both the younger and older adults who are receiving treatment. In addition, proper planning is needed for the patients regarding their daily activities in order to reduce fatigue. Nurses who work in hemodialysis units are recommended to provide exercise classes or group therapy in order to boost the energy levels among patients who are undergoing dialysis. Health professionals should provide appropriate treatment for patients who are experiencing fatigue in order to prevent any other complications that could arise.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)60-64
Number of pages5
JournalNursing and Health Sciences
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anemia
  • Dialysis
  • Duration
  • Fatigue
  • Maintenance
  • Nursing treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing

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