Renal failure : Socioeconomic consequences and social implications of disease management for Moroccan patients in the Fez region

Abstract

Chronic renal failure is a public health problem worldwide, and a condition that is heavily managed in low-income countries because of its cost. This work aims to describe the socio-economic and financial repercussions of managing chronic renal failure at Al Ghassani Hospital in Fez, Morocco, through a survey carried out in the period from June 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022, on a sample of 92 patients diagnosed with chronic renal failure. The study showed that 78% of patients suffering from chronic renal failure have limited daily physical activities and that 58% of patients have had to stop certain activities because of dialysis sessions, which take up a large part of their time and can prevent them from enjoying leisure activities or spending time with loved ones. In addition, 89% of patients were vulnerable to lacking vitality, and physical debilitation. The study also revealed that the quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease was severely impaired. Indeed, 75% of patients followed a strict diet, 95% could not move or travel freely because of the disease and dialysis sessions, 75% of participants consider kidney disease a real obstacle to their vital needs, and 95% of participants say that the disease was time-consuming for their lives. Individuals undergoing dialysis encounter numerous psychosocial and physiological challenges, such as feelings of dependence, shame, and anxiety. Chronic renal failure is a crippling disease with a dreadful prognosis that affects young people.