Association between Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Stages 3 to 5 Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) significantly impacts the quality of life (QOL) in affected individuals.This study aims to evaluate the association between nutritional status and health-related QOL in CKD patients.A cohort of 150 CKD patients attending the Nephrology Department of a tertiary health facility in southern Nigeria participated in the study after providing informed consent.An adapted KDQOL-SF-36 questionnaire was administered.Nutritional status was categorized as well-nourished, mildly to moderately malnourished, or severely malnourished.Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) with descriptive statistics and Pearson's Chi-square test.The study population predominantly comprised males (70.00%) with a mean age of 50.9 years.Most were married (80.67%) and had secondary education (48.00%).Nutritional status assessment showed 47.33% well-nourished, 34.67% mildly to moderately malnourished, and 18.00% severely malnourished patients.QOL scores indicated 52.67% with good physical component score, 55.33% with good mental component score, and varying percentages for other components.A significant association was found between nutritional status and overall QOL (p < 0.05).Well-nourished patients demonstrated higher overall QOL (80.28% good) compared to malnourished counterparts (17.31% in mildly to moderately malnourished and 7.41% in severely malnourished).This study highlights a noteworthy association between nutritional status and QOL in CKD patients.Well-nourished individuals exhibited better overall QOL, emphasizing the importance of nutritional interventions in managing CKD and improving patient outcomes.Future research should explore specific dietary interventions and their impact on QOL in this patient population.