Lifestyle Activities and their Impact on Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in a National Guard Hospital in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Lifestyle activities significantly influence the management and quality of life (QoL) of patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of lifestyle activities on HD patients and identify sociodemographic determinants of health-promoting behaviors (HPBs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, from November 2023 to January 2024. Convenience sampling was utilized to recruit 109 HD patients. Data were collected via structured interviews, encompassing sociodemographic and clinical variables, and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II (HPLP-II) questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including independent t -tests, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regressions, were performed using SPSS version 20.0. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 109 participants, with 37.6% aged 50–64 years and 56% being female. Approximately 59.6% were married, and 53.2% reported a chronic renal disease diagnosis within the past 5 years, with 34.9% experiencing complications. The mean HPLP-II score was 147.79 ± 19.86, indicating predominantly good-to-excellent lifestyle behaviors: 70.5% scored in the good range, 15.3% in the moderate range, and 13.6% in the excellent range. Significant associations were found between HPLP-II scores and gender, marital status, and monthly income ( P < 0.05). High adherence to prescribed medications (98.2%) and regular medical examinations (93.6%) was reported. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the substantial role of lifestyle behaviors in the health and well-being of HD patients. Gender, marital status, and financial stability emerged as significant determinants of HPBs. The observed distribution of HPLP-II scores suggests a generally positive engagement in health-promoting activities among participants. Healthcare providers should implement targeted interventions addressing modifiable lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, physical activity, and stress management, to optimize patient outcomes and QoL in HD populations.