Challenges, Coping Strategies and Quality of Life of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients on Haemodialysis at Buea Regional Hospital, Cameroon

Abstract

Purpose: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing haemodialysis experience physical, psychosocial and financial challenges that may affect coping and quality of life. The aim of this study was to identify the challenges faced by CKD patients on haemodialysis at Buea Regional Hospital, assess their coping strategies, and determine their quality of life. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 111 CKD patients on haemodialysis from September 2025 through May 2026 at Buea Regional Hospital. The hospital was selected purposively and participants were recruited conveniently. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, the Carver Brief COPE Assessment questionnaire and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-36) sub-scale. Data were analysed using SPSS version 31.0.2.0. Descriptive statistics and tests of association were performed, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Findings: Participants had a mean age of 49.42 years (SD=13.29); 55.86% were males, 63% were married, 52% had secondary education and 69% were unemployed. About 82% had been on dialysis for more than one year and 91% had other chronic conditions. The overall mean challenge score was 17.9 (SD=3.1), with moderate challenges in 69%, high challenges in 22% and low challenges in 9%. The most prominent challenges were interference of dialysis with work/daily activities (78%), long waiting times (68%) and financial difficulties (67%). Problem-focused coping was most used (77%), followed by emotion-focused coping (76%), while avoidant/maladaptive coping was least used (39%). Overall quality of life was 46% (SD=7%); poor quality of life occurred in 45%, average in 44% and good in 11%. Burden of disease was the lowest quality-of-life domain (31%). Challenge level was significantly associated with occupation and presence of chronic disease, while quality of life was significantly associated with occupation, chronic disease and overall challenge level (p<0.05). Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The findings support the need for patient-centred haemodialysis care that addresses financial and access barriers, strengthens adaptive coping, improves symptom management and integrates psychosocial support into renal services.