Measuring Economic Burden on Family of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease on Haemo Dialysis

Abstract

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is growing public health challenge in Bangladesh, with significant economic burden. The financial strain is exacerbated by the high cost of hemodialysis, the primary treatment for End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Despite the public sector funding 67.1% of hemodialysis treatments, the economic impact remains severe, with families often resorting to borrowing money or selling assets to afford treatment. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at the Kumudini Hospital’s dialysis unit in Mirzapur, involving 40 CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, comorbid conditions, dialysis-related factors, and financial burden. Financial burden was assessed through semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics, Chi-Square tests, and Spearman’s correlation were used to analyze the data. Results: The study found that a significant portion of the patients (80%) rely on family members or relatives to fund their dialysis treatment. Monthly expenditure on dialysis ranged from 5,800 BDT to 33,600 BDT, with a mean of 19,425 BDT. Study found significant associations between burden category and quality of life (Chi-Square = 14.3481, p = 0.0260) and a moderate strength correlation between burden and quality of life. Conclusion: Hemodialysis imposes a significant financial burden on CKD patients’ families, leading to increased poverty risk and financial insecurities. The findings highlight the need for improved financial support systems and healthcare policies to alleviate the economic strain on affected households.