Health status and activities of daily living in hemodialysis and transplant patients

the aim of renal transplantation is improvement of general health and well-being in patients with end-stage renal disease. Both hemodialysis and renal transplantation have complications that can adversely affect health and activities of daily living (ADL) in patients. The assessment and comparison of these variables can be helpful in proper management of the patients. This study was conducted to assess and compare activities of daily living and health status among hemodyalisis and renal transplant patients in Kashan, Iran in 2004-2005. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 163 patients undergoing hemodyalisis and renal replacement therapy in Kashan, Iran. They were selected by census and evaluated by Nottingham Standard Activities of Daily Living questionnaire and DUKE health profile. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and multiple regression. The mean age was 40.6 in transplant and 55.3 years in hemodialysis patients. Of dialysis group 55.6% were female, while the female patients were 41% in transplant group. The mean duration of current therapy was 64.7 month in transplant and 30.3 months in dialysis patients. The mean score of general health was 59.1±17.7 in transplant and 49.8±17.6 in dialysis patients (p ≤ 0.001). The mean score of activities of daily living was 51.4±10.2 in transplant and 31.7±14.8 in dialysis patients (p ≤ 0.001). Health status and ADL was poor in both groups, although the transplant patients had better condition. The educational programs targeting the improvement of health and ADL should be considered in these patients.