Compliance of End Stage Renal Disease Patients on Haemodialysis

Abstract

Background: To find out the factors which are responsible for non-compliance, even with free dialysis facilities. Methods: In this prospective study the patients with renal failure who were on maintenance dialysis were studied . All had end stage renal disease (ESRD) and were on either twice weekly or thrice weekly dialysis with a 3 hour dialysis at each session. Adequacy of dialysis was assessed by the urea reduction ratio (URR). Results: Out of the 30 patients studied 10% failed to report back after the second or third dialysis. 11.11% proceeded for renal transplant. 22.22% complied strictly with the prescribed dialysis prescription. The remaining 66.66% patients were non-compliant with the dialysis prescription and reported back to the dialysis unit at irregular intervals usually in a medical crisis. The period between each dialysis was directly proportional to the distance they had to travel from their homes to the dialysis unit. Staff attitude, explanation about the procedure, social support from relatives and financial constraints were all directly related to the degree of compliance. Conclusion: Compliance with haemodialysis is unsatisfactory. The number of dropouts is alarming.