The effect of transportation modality to dialysis facilities on health-related quality of life among hemodialysis patients: results from the Japanese Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Pattern Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

For hemodialysis (HD) patients, travel to the dialysis facility is an issue that can affect their quality of life (QOL), both physically and mentally. However, evidence on this association of transportation modality with health-related QOL (HRQOL) is scarce.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study among maintenance HD patients participating in the Japanese Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Pattern Study Phase 5. The study included patients who were functionally independent and able to walk. The primary exposure was the means of transportation to the dialysis facility, categorized into three groups, namely transportation by other drivers (Group 1), transportation via self-driving (Group 2) and transportation by bicycle or walking with or without public transportation (Gro

SUBMITTER: Yazawa M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7467582 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature