2017 年 67 巻 4 号 p. 291-298
Background and aims: Malnutrition is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients, which is known to reduce their health-related quality of life (QOL). Potential barriers to adequate nutrition can affect a patient's nutritional status, although whether they also affect the patient's QOL remains unclear. This study investigated the associations between several potential barriers and QOL among HD patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 36 Japanese patients receiving HD for ≥3 months. The patients completed structured questionnaires regarding any potential barriers to adequate nutrition. Clinical parameters were evaluated during monthly check-ups. Results: The presence of ≥1 potential barrier significantly associated with decreased scores in the effect of kidney disease, burden of kidney disease, cognitive function, quality of social interaction, and mental health subscales in the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form. Poor knowledge was the most common potential barrier to adequate nutrition. However, difficulty chewing was significantly associated with the greatest number of decreased QOL subscale scores, even after adjustment for age, suggesting that this barrier has the greatest direct effect on QOL. Conclusions: The presence of ≥1 potential barrier significantly associated with reduced QOL, indicating the importance of evaluating potential barriers to adequate nutrition. Further study is necessary to investigate the possibility that assessment and managing potential barriers improve QOL of patients receiving HD.
