Geriatric nutritional risk index and quality of life among elderly hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Nutritional problems are considered one of the main complications of hemodialysis, and the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a new instrument for assessing geriatric nutritional status. The present study sought to evaluate the relationship between the GNRI and quality of life (QOL) among elderly hemodialysis patients. Methods: In the present analytical cross-sectional study, 110 hemodialysis individuals were selected by applying a simple random sampling method, among whom 57 and 53 were males and females, respectively (mean: 70.3±6.93 years). Demographic characteristics, GNRI, and QOL status were determined. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 software and descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, ANOVA, independent sample t-tests, and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The mean GNRI and mean total QOL were respectively obtained 93.903±11.067 and 20.95 ± 4.89. Among females, a significant direct relationship was observed between GNRI and total QOL (P = 0.010, r = 0.352), autonomy (P = 0.004, r = 0.389), and pleasure (P = 0.015, r = 0.333), while GNRI was not directly and significantly related to QOL in males (P = 0.161, r = 0.188). Conclusion: Due to the presence of a significant association between Geriatric GNRI and QOL among elderly hemodialysis patients, particularly among females, highlighting the importance of addressing nutritional status in optimizing well-being.