Factors associated with hemodialysis adequacy among end stage renal disease patients on maintenance hemodialysis in Rwanda

The aim of this study was to assess the factors associated with dialysis adequacy in ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis in Rwanda. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A sample 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. The mean hemodialysis adequacy was 1.26± 0.34. Most participants [41(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) and only 6 (9%) had less than optimal hemodialysis adequacy (kt/v <0.8). Factors associated with hemodialysis adequacy were hospital settings (p = .010), age (p = .007), BMI (p =.004) and blood pressure level ((p = .018). Moreover, mode of transport and type of drinking water was significantly associated with hemodialysis adequacy (p = 0.032 and 0.030 respectively). In conclusion, the level of hemodialysis adequacy was low in 38% of ESRD patients with associated factors predominantly demographics. Therefore, further research inquiry is needed on additional factors which include technical aspects to establish their association with hemodialysis adequacy.