Non-dialysis evaluation of the relationship between nutritional status and quality of life in patients with chronic renal failure

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between nutritional status indicators and quality of life in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) disease who were referred for nutrition and diet counseling from the Nephrology Outpatient Clinic of Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Medicine Research and Training Hospital. Patients with CRF who were referred within a three-month period following the registration of the first patient referred for nutrition and diet counseling were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, etiologies of kidney failure, gastrointestinal symptoms, anthropometric measurements, nutrition-related biochemical parameters, 24-hour food consumption records, bioelectrical impedance analysis results, and quality of life scores of the patients were recorded. Anthropometric measurements included body weight, body mass index, mid-arm muscle area, and arm circumference. A Tanita BC418 body composition analyzer was used for bioelectrical impedance analysis. Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). The relationship between nutritional status indicators and the subparameters of the SF-36 scale—Physical Functioning (PF), Physical Role (RP), Social Functioning (SF), Emotional Role (RE), Bodily Pain (BP), General Health (GH), Vitality (VT), and Mental Health (MH)—was examined. The mean age of the 50 patients included in the study was 62.78 ± 10.60 years, and 60% of them had no prior dietary education. The average body mass index was 29.75 kg/m², indicating overweight status. Positive correlations were observed between SF-36 subparameters and various anthropometric and body composition measurements such as body weight, skinfold thickness, body fluid composition, muscle mass composition, segmental muscle distribution (trunk), and basal metabolic rate; laboratory values including serum albumin and calcium levels; as well as nutritional variables such as daily fluid intake, daily protein intake, and intake of vitamin B3, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. Age was identified as the most significant negative factor affecting quality of life, whereas no association was found between daily nutrient intake and bodily pain (BP) scores. Given the observed association between certain nutritional variables and quality of life in patients with CRF, nutritional assessment and dietary interventions may contribute to improvements in the quality of life in this patient population. Therefore, nutrition should be considered one of the key components to be monitored in individuals with CRF.