PSYCO-SOCIAL DISTRESS IN EMPLOYED VERSUS UNEMPLOYED PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED RENAL FAILURE

Abstract

Objective: To compare the mean kidney disease and quality of life (KDQOL) score in employed versus unemployed patients with advanced renal failure
Study design: “Cohort study.”
Place and duration of study: “Department of Nephrology, Combined Military Hospital, Multan for 6 months i.e. from 01 November 2024 till 30 April 2025.
Methodology: Sample size of 40 kidney disease patients were enrolled (20 employed and 20 unemployed). Patients were examined for psycho-social distress by using KDQOL scoring system and mental and physical stress level were recorded. All the data was analysed by using SPSS v.25.

Results: The mean age of patients in employed group was 48.45 ± 12.75 years, while in unemployed group was 39.45 ± 14.35 years. In employed group, there were 9 (45%) males while 11 (55%) females. In unemployed group, there were 12 (60%) males while 8 (40%) females. The mean total KDOL score was 112.45 ± 12.36 vs. 84.15 ± 17.75 in both groups, respectively, showing high score in employed group as compared to unemployed group (p<0.0001). In employed group, 4 (20%) patients had distress while in unemployed group, 15 (75%) patients had distress.

Conclusion: Thus, quality of life and mental health of hemodialysis patients, who were unemployed as well was poorer than employed patients. This is issue of concern for financial support as renal failure treatment is a life-long therapy until transplant.