Reasons for Non-participation in Sports Activities among Dialysis Patients (A Mixed Study)

Introduction and purpose: Chronic kidney disease is defined as a persistent functional and structural disorder that leads to slow, progressive, and irreversible loss of kidney function. Regular exercise can help improve kidney function.

Methods: The present study aimed to assess the reasons for non-participation in sports activities among dialysis patients in Khuzestan province. This mixed-methods research was conducted based on an exploratory applied design. The statistical population in the qualitative section included 18 experts knowledgeable on the subject, and in the quantitative section, with 2631 dialysis patients, a sample size of 335 was determined. The data collection tool in the qualitative section was a semi-structured interview. In the quantitative section, the data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire based on the interview results. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the subjects, and in inferential statistics, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and one-sample t-test were utilized to determine the impact of each of the 10 factors. The data were analyzed in SPSS (version 22) and Smart PLS software packages.

Results: In the qualitative section, 20 sub-categories and 10 main categories were extracted. The categories included personal, interpersonal, temporal, attitudinal, economic, supportive, environmental, educational, research, self-actualization, behavioral, management, planning, and cultural factors, which are among the most important barriers to the participation of dialysis patients in sports activities. In the quantitative section, a 35-item questionnaire was designed. The face and content validity and reliability of this questionnaire were confirmed with values of 0.71, 0.85, and 0.92, respectively.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the main barriers to sports participation for dialysis patients include individual (fear, low motivation), interpersonal (lack of family/medical team support), and educational-research factors (lack of awareness among patients and medical staff). It is suggested that targeted educational programs for patients and families, psychosocial support through peer support groups, and the design of safe exercise protocols by specialists be implemented to improve participation and quality of life.