Factors predicting fatigue among patients undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the factors predicting fatigue among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Fatigue is a common health problem in patients receiving HD. Understanding the factors that predict fatigue is crucial for helping patients to manage their weariness. Methods: A descriptive design was utilized with a convenient sample of 200 subjects who were on HD therapy at the Mansoura University Hospital and Mansoura International Hospital in Mansoura, Egypt, for at least 3 months. Four tools were utilized in collecting data. Results: The study subjects had a moderate level of fatigue regarding all sub-dimensions of the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS). Among the total subjects, 78.5% suffered from anxiety, and 31.0% had depression. A positive correlation was found between fatigue and anxiety, depression, and overall symptoms of distress, while a negative correlation was found between perception of the ability to manage symptoms and fatigue. The factors predicting fatigue included anxiety (β = 0.274, P < 0.001), depression (β = 305, P < 0.001), and the overall symptoms of distress (β = 0.248, P < 0.001), while the perceived ability to manage symptoms did not predicted. Conclusions: Fatigue was ranked as the top distressing symptom among HD patients, with psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and the overall symptoms of distress predicting fatigue. Regular screenings of these factors and psychological therapies to modulate them might decrease fatigue severity and its related disability in HD clients. Multidimensional nurse-led interventions involving physical and psychological therapies are required to manage fatigue in HD patients.