Financial toxicity in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis

Abstract

Aim: To investigate financial toxicity (FT) and its influencing factors in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 148 PD patients recruited between August 2023 and December 2023. The Comprehensive Score for financial Toxicity (COST) was used to estimate the prevalence and degree of FT. Patient coping actions were investigated.T-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s chi-squared test and multiple linear regression analysis were used to evaluate the predictors of FT in patients with PD. Results: 79 patients (53.38%) had mild FT, and 61 patients (41.21%) had moderate FT. Age, working status, monthly household income per capita and PD-related complications were significantly associated with FT in PD patients (p＜0.05). 115 patients (77.70%) reduced consumption due to illness, 67 patients (45.27%) had medical loans, 58 patients (39.19%) discussed lower-cost treatment plans with their physician, and 40 patients (27.03%) considered abandoning or delaying treatment due to financial difficulties. Patients with higher FT had lower living expenses, higher risk of debt, and were more likely to abandon or delay treatment than patients with lower FT(p＜0.05). Conclusions: There were varying degrees of FT in PD patients. Measuring FT can help medical professionals develop treatment care strategies, reduce the financial burden on patients, and avoid treatment interruption.