Non-adherence to hemodialysis regimens among patients on maintenance hemodialysis in sub-Saharan Africa: an example from Cameroon

Background Non-adherence (NA) to hemodialysis regimens is one of the contributors to the high morbidity and mortality observed in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). We aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of NA to hemodialysis (HD) regimens among patients on maintenance HD in Cameroon. Methods A cross-sectional study in two HD centers in Cameroon was conducted from January to February 2016. Consenting patients on HD for >= 3 months were included. NA to fluid restriction was defined as a mean interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) in the past month >5.7% of the dry weight, NA to dietary restriction as a pre dialysis serum phosphorus >5.5 mg/dl in a patient on phosphate binders and who is well-nourished, and NA to HD sessions as skipping at least one session in the past month. The study was approved by the institutional ethics board. Results A total of 170 (112 males) participants with a median age of 49 years (range 14-79) were included. The median dialysis vintage was 35 months (range 3-180 months). The prevalence of NA was 15.3% to fluid restriction, 26.9% to dietary restriction, and 21.2% to dialysis sessions. Age <= 49 years (p = .006, OR: 5.07, 95% CI: 1.59-16.20) and unmarried status (p = .041, OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.04-6.66) were independently associated with NA to fluid restrictions. No factor was associated with NA to dietary restrictions and HD sessions. Conclusions NA to HD regimens is common amongst patients in Cameroon. Younger age and being unmarried were the predictors of NA to fluid restriction.