Factors affecting health-related quality of life in older patients with chronic kidney disease: a single-center cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) assessment is important for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, few studies have examined factors related to HRQoL, such as physical function, in older patients with predialysis CKD. This study evaluated the relationship between physical function, renal function, and nutritional status on the HRQoL in this patient group.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 61 patients aged ≥ 65 years with stages 3-5 predialysis CKD who were admitted for CKD education purposes. Using the EuroQoL 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) health status measure, the percentages of each EQ-5D-5L item were investigated. Physical function was measured using the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and grip strength, and characteristics, such as age, sex, diabetes mellitus, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index, were investigated. Factors associated with EQ-5D-5L were identified using multiple regression analysis.

Results: More than half of respondents (34/61, 55.7%) selected the second or higher level "have a problem" for the pain/discomfort section. The EQ-5D-5L score was significantly correlated with grip strength (r = 0.34, p = 0.01) and SPPB (r = 0.59, p = 0.00) in a single correlation analysis. Only SPPB (β = 0.67, p = 0.00) remained a significant factor after adjustment for grip strength, SPPB, age, sex, diabetes mellitus, and estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Conclusion: Physical function may be an important factor influencing HRQoL in older patients with predialysis CKD.

Keywords: EuroQoL 5-dimension 5-level; Physical function; Predialysis; Renal function; Short physical performance battery.