This study examined longitudinal associations between perceived social support (MOS survey) and kidney disease–specific quality of life (KDQOL-36) over 12 years in 140 Hispanic CKD patients who progressed to ESRD, using piecewise multivariate growth models to assess change before and after ESRD onset.
Both social support and QoL declined before and after ESRD. Before ESRD, less decline in social support correlated with less decline in KDQOL Burden (r = 0.38) and Effects (r = 0.59). After ESRD onset, associations strengthened across all three KDQOL domains: Burden (r = 0.34), Effects (r = 0.85), and Symptoms (r = 0.98), all p < 0.001.
- Correlational design prevents causal inference between social support and QoL. - Small sample (n = 140 ESRD progressors) limits generalizability. - Participants were mostly recruited from the Chicago metro area, which may not represent all U.S. Hispanic CKD subgroups.
Screen CKD patients for social support deficits routinely using validated tools (e.g., MOS), especially at the transition to ESRD, when the link between support and QoL is strongest. Integrating social workers or psychologists into the nephrology team may help protect QoL as disease progresses.
