Medical Journal of The Islamic Republic of Iran (MJIRI)
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Wed, Feb 18, 2026
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Volume 39, Issue 1 (1-2025)
Med J Islam Repub Iran 2025 |
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Onalbekov Y, Gabdilashimova Z, Kadir S. Sex-related Differences in Health Related Quality of Life Among Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2025; 39 (1) :1506-1515
URL: http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-9918-en.html
URL: http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-9918-en.html
LLP “Scientific Center for Professional Training”, Astana, Kazakhstan , yerbol.onalbek@gmail.com
Abstract: (34 Views)
Background: Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is a key patient‐centered outcome in hemodialysis (HD) care, but sex‐related differences remain poorly quantified. This systematic review and meta‐analysis are focused on comparing HRQoL scores between female and male HD patients across generic (SF-36) and kidney‐specific (KDQOL-SF) domains.
Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251078233). PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for observational studies reporting HRQoL by sex in adult HD patients published from January 2000 to June 2025. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Mean differences (Females–Males) were pooled using REML random-effects models (95% CI), heterogeneity was quantified using I² and the Q-test, and small-study bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s regression.
Results: Nineteen studies (N=6025; 2713 female, 3312 males) were included. In SF-36 domains, females scored lower than males across all eight scales, most notably in Bodily Pain (P<0.001), Role-Physical (P<0.001), and Physical Functioning (P<0.001). Egger’s test indicated small-study bias only for Bodily Pain and General Health. In KDQOL domains, females reported worse “Symptoms and Problems” (P=0.0653) and “Effects on Daily Life” (P=0.0087), with no other significant sex differences.
Conclusion: Female HD patients consistently experience poorer HRQoL than males across multiple SF-36 and select KDQOL domains. These findings highlight the need for sex‐sensitive interventions, such as tailored pain management and psychosocial support, to improve quality of life in females receiving HD.
Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251078233). PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for observational studies reporting HRQoL by sex in adult HD patients published from January 2000 to June 2025. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Mean differences (Females–Males) were pooled using REML random-effects models (95% CI), heterogeneity was quantified using I² and the Q-test, and small-study bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s regression.
Results: Nineteen studies (N=6025; 2713 female, 3312 males) were included. In SF-36 domains, females scored lower than males across all eight scales, most notably in Bodily Pain (P<0.001), Role-Physical (P<0.001), and Physical Functioning (P<0.001). Egger’s test indicated small-study bias only for Bodily Pain and General Health. In KDQOL domains, females reported worse “Symptoms and Problems” (P=0.0653) and “Effects on Daily Life” (P=0.0087), with no other significant sex differences.
Conclusion: Female HD patients consistently experience poorer HRQoL than males across multiple SF-36 and select KDQOL domains. These findings highlight the need for sex‐sensitive interventions, such as tailored pain management and psychosocial support, to improve quality of life in females receiving HD.
Type of Study: Meta-analysis Article |
Subject:
Nephrology
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