Abstract:
Introduction: Hemodialysis substitutes the natural work of the kidney and helps ESRD patients
to increase quantity and quality of life. Inadequate dialysis treatment has been observed among
ESRD patients in Rwanda and this leads to poor patient survival, increase cost and mortality rate.
Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to assess the factors associated with dialysis
adequacy in ESRD patients on maintenance in Rwanda.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted. Asample size of 66
Hemodialysis patients was selected using purposive sampling strategy.An interview scheduled
guide was used to collect data. Dialysis adequacy was calculated using kt/v Daugirdas
&Schneditz formula. Data was coded and entered into SPSS version 21 in preparation for
analysis. Descriptive statistical methods and inferential statistics of chi square and multiple
regressions were used to analyse the data. .
Results: The mean of hemodialysis adequacy was 1.26± 0.34. Most participants (62%) had
optimal hemodialysis adequacy of equal or greater than to 1.2, 19(29%) had near optimal
hemodialysis adequacy (0.8 - 1.2 kt/v) where 6(9%) had less than optimal hemodialysis adequacy
(kt/v <0.8).Factors associated with hemodialysis adequacy were name of hospital (p = .010), age
(p = .007), BMI (p =.004) and blood pressure level ((p = .018). where, mode of transport and type
of drinking water was also significantly associated with hemodialysis adequacy (p = 0.032 and
0.030 respectively).
Conclusions: Generally, the level of hemodialysis adequacy was average among ESRD patients
and the associated factors were predominantly demographic characteristics. Therefore, there is
need for nephrology staff to assess the interventions that promote adequacy during hemodialysis
depending on the personal attributes of the patient. Moreover, further research inquiry is needed
on other factors which include technical to establish their association with hemodialysis
adequacy
