Self-Support Group for Chronic Renal Failure Patients and Caregivers on their Quality of Life: A Study Protocol

Background: Chronic renal failure (CRF) or Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an irreversible progressive loss of kidney functions in which, kidney fails to sustain the metabolic waste, fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. The prevalence of chronic renal failure is 15% to 17 % in adult population in many developing countries.

Objective: To find out the effectiveness of Self Support Group (SSG) for Chronic Renal Failure patients (CRF) and caregivers on their quality of life (QOL)

Methodology: It is a single arm trial, interventional hospital based study. The patients of chronic renal failure of age group 18 to 50 years and caregivers age group above 18 years. Selection of patients and caregivers as per inclusion criteria, detail explanation about nature and purpose of the study, from the subject will be taken before data collection by the investigator after that the formation of groups for chronic renal failure patients and caregivers. Empowerments of the group with knowledge of chronic renal failure and its management, than evaluation quality of life (QOL) for patient and their caregivers with use of QOL scale. The assessments of quality of life for four times, it include day one to three months, six months and nine months respectively. The setting of the study is selected hospitals of Vidarbha Region.

Expected Results:

Formation of Self Support Group for CRF patients and their caregivers in Hospital Setting

Improvement in knowledge regarding CRF of patients and their caregivers

Improvement in QOL for both CRF patients and caregivers

Conclusion: Conclusion will be drawn from the statistical analysis after completion of data collection.