Examining the influence of health on employment and work ability of Saudi haemodialysis patients: A mixed-methods study

Aims To explore the employment, work productivity, activity impairment, and sustainability of work of Saudi patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on haemodialysis (HD). Background Failure to address CKD-related challenges may cause HD patients to lose their job, create a lack of compassion from co-workers and receive discrimination hindering progress in their profession. Design This is a cross-sectional explanatory sequential mixed-methods study. Methods A convenience sample of 130 CKD patients was surveyed in the quantitative phase using the 'Short-Form Health Survey' and 'Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire.' For the qualitative phase, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews took place with 16 CKD patients. Data were collected in 2017. Results The respondents reported poor physical and mental health. Both employed and unemployed respondents reported moderate levels of work productivity. Better physical health was related to an increased likelihood of being employed. Physical health was negatively correlated with presenteeism, whereas mental health was negatively associated with activity impairment. Five key themes emerged from the qualitative data: work retention, sustaining employment, suitability of work, losing the work and unemployment. Conclusions Physical condition, personal distinctiveness, cultural and traditional aspects, and employment policies and approaches affect the employment status of CKD patients on HD.