ENHANCING QUALITY OF LIFE IN ATHLETES WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVED CHRONIC DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of specialized chronic disease management programs on the quality of life in athletes diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: This study enrolled 86 athletes with CKD from January 2021 to December 2022, dividing them into two groups via a randomized number table method. The control group of 43 athletes received routine management, while the study group of 43 athletes underwent enhanced chronic disease management. Key metrics compared between the groups included renal function, nutritional status, quality of life, and incidence of complications. Results: Post-management assessments indicated significant improvements in the study group. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), phosphorus (P), and serum creatinine (Scr) levels were notably lower in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) scores, albumin (Alb), total protein (TP), and prealbumin (PA) levels were higher in the study group (P < 0.05). Quality of life metrics—covering renal disease impact, physical health, mental health, symptoms and discomfort, and renal load—were all markedly better in the study group (P < 0.05). Complications were reduced to 6.98% in the study group compared to 27.91% in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Implementing a targeted chronic disease management program for athletes with CKD significantly enhances renal recovery, improves nutritional status, boosts overall quality of life, and reduces complications. These findings support the integration of specialized chronic disease management strategies in the care protocols for athletes, underscoring the benefits of tailored approaches to managing chronic health conditions in this population.