Prevalence Rates of Hemodialysis and Clinicopathological Characteristics of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients at the Mutare Hemodialysis Centre, Zimbabwe (2019–2025).

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant public health concern, particularly in Zimbabwe, where its prevalence is on the rise, leading to increased demand for renal replacement therapies such as hemodialysis. This study aimed to assess the rate of hemodialysis among CKD patients at the Mutare Hemodialysis Centre and explore the clinico-pathological characteristics influencing treatment modalities and patient outcomes from January 2019 to January 2025. A cross-sectional study design was utilized, involving systematic sampling of 90 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Key demographic data, socio-geographic factors, comorbidity prevalence, laboratory profiles, and treatment outcomes were collected through structured data collection sheets. The findings revealed a male predominance (60%) in the study population, with a mean age of 57 years. Notably, the age distribution showed a significant percentage of participants aged between 61 and 75 years, which accounts for 33.3% of the sample. Urban dwellers constituted 57.8%, highlighting better access to healthcare resources. A substantial number of patients presented with comorbidities, including hypertension (43.3%), diabetes mellitus (27.8%), and obesity (4%). Laboratory assessments indicated severely impaired renal function, with elevated serum creatinine levels averaging 675 μmol/L and a low mean GFR of 23 mL/min, categorizing the majority of participants in advanced stages of CKD. In terms of treatment frequency, 61.1% of patients received dialysis once per month, while 38.9% received it twice monthly. Moreover, 20% of patients reported experiencing complications during the course of treatment, indicating ongoing challenges in CKD management. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive management strategies to address prevalent comorbidities and emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring and education for CKD patients. Given the limitations related to the sample size and cross-sectional design, future research should aim to include larger, more diverse populations to enhance the understanding of CKD in Zimbabwe. This research provides vital insights into the characteristics of CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis and highlights the necessity for improved healthcare practices and policies to optimize patient outcomes in the region.