Pain (B = -15.9, p < 0.001) and the need for additional dialysis sessions (B = -10.2, p = 0.008) were the strongest independent predictors of poorer health-related quality of life.
Cross-Sectional (n=70)
No
What are the key determinants of health-related quality of life in Polish hemodialysis patients?
Pain, additional dialysis sessions, and longer transportation time are key modifiable contributors to reduced quality of life in hemodialysis patients, whereas dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) showed no significant effect.
Effect estimate: B = -15.9 (for pain)
p-value: p=<0.001
Background: Dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) remains an essential marker of hemodialysis quality; however, it does not fully capture patients’ overall well-being. Growing evidence underscores the need for a more holistic, patient-centered approach that integrates clinical efficiency with factors affecting daily functioning and quality of life (QoL). Objectives: This study aimed to identify the key determinants of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Polish patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Seventy hemodialysis patients from a single center completed the KDQOL-36 questionnaire and provided demographic and clinical data. Statistical analyses included Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlations, as well as multiple linear regression, to determine predictors of HRQoL. Results: The mean (SD) KDQOL summary score was 60.9 (17.3). Pain (B = −15.9, p < 0.001) and the need for additional dialysis sessions (B = −10.2, p = 0.008) were the strongest independent predictors of poorer HRQoL, collectively accounting for 28.6% of variance. Longer dialysis-related transportation time (r = −0.238, p = 0.03) and longer hemodialysis vintage (r = −0.254, p = 0.03) were also significantly associated with lower HRQoL, while dialysis adequacy showed no significant effect. Conclusions: Pain, additional dialysis sessions, and longer dialysis-related transportation time are key, modifiable contributors to reduced HRQoL in Polish hemodialysis patients. These findings underscore the importance of a patient-centered approach that supplements clinical measures with interventions targeting comfort, education, and accessibility. Incorporating structured pain management and improved transport into routine nephrology practice can meaningfully improve patient QoL.
Rączewski et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Hemodialysis (n=70). Pain, additional dialysis sessions, and transportation time was evaluated on Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measured by KDQOL-36 (B = -15.9 (for pain), p=<0.001). Pain (B = -15.9, p < 0.001) and the need for additional dialysis sessions (B = -10.2, p = 0.008) were the strongest independent predictors of poorer health-related quality of life.