Abstract: FR-PO1052
The Burden of Fatigue in Patients on Hemodialysis: A Single-Center Experience
Session Information
- Hemodialysis: Clinical Challenges, Patient-Centered Outcomes, and Quality of Life
October 23, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 801 Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Frequent Dialysis
Author
- El Agroudy, Amgad E., Arabian Gulf University, Manama, Capital Governorate, Bahrain
Background
Fatigue is one of the most debilitating yet underrecognized symptoms in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. It profoundly impacts physical functioning, motivation, and overall quality of life. Despite its clinical significance, fatigue remains systematically underassessed in routine nephrology practice. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of fatigue among hemodialysis patients at a single center.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 hemodialysis patients. The Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) was used to evaluate fatigue across nine dimensions on a 7-point Likert scale. Daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Fatigue burden was categorized as low, moderate, or severe based on composite domain scores. Socio-demographic and clinical data, including comorbidities, were collected for all participants.
Results
The study population had a mean age of 55.18 ± 12.59 years, with females comprising 66% and 42% being over 60 years old. The majority were married (76%) and retired or unemployed (76.5%). Comorbidity was highly prevalent, with 40.5% having combined hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Fatigue was pervasive across all assessed domains. Regarding motivation, 47% of patients reported moderate-to-severe fatigue, with 35.5% experiencing severe fatigue. Exercise-related fatigue followed a similar pattern, with 47% reporting moderate-to-severe impairment and 34% classified as severely affected. Physical function was impaired in 41% of patients (moderate-to-severe), including 30% with severe fatigue. Daily responsibilities were disrupted in 45% of patients, with 28.5% reaching the severe threshold. FSS item-level analysis revealed that 28.5% of patients scored the maximum (7/7) on reduced motivation, 28% on exercise-induced fatigue, and 27.5% on physical functioning interference. Fatigue was ranked among the three most disabling symptoms by 27% of participants, and 20% reported maximum interference with work, family, and social life.
Conclusion
Fatigue imposes a substantial and multidimensional burden on hemodialysis patients, affecting motivation, exercise capacity, physical functioning, and daily activities in nearly half the cohort. Routine fatigue screening and targeted interventions should be integrated into standard hemodialysis care.