Survey of employment and rehabilitation problems of dialysis patients in Fukuoka

To evaluate the rehabilitation status and problems of dialysis patients, we carried out a questionnaire survey at 64 instiutions for dialysis, 53 organizations and enterprises in Fukuoka Prefecture and in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at the Hospital of the University of Occupational and Environmental Health (rates of reply: 67% for dialysis institutions, 89% for organizations and enterprises, and 100% for the University Hospital). 1) Of 170, 000 employees in organizations and enterprises, dialysis patients numbered 59. All were males, their mean age was 46±8 years, and the mean dialysis period was 6±4 years. Five of the dialysis patients were on sickleave, all shortly after beginning dialysis. After beginning dialysis, these engaging in clerical work continued the same work while 2/3 of those engaging physical work were given easier jobs, some changing to clerical work. At most of the enterprises (77%), there were no special principles or rules for the handicapped, and adjustments were made after consultation with the doctor in charge. 2) Of 125 dialysis patients at our University Hospital, complete or partial rehabilitation was observed in 70.4%. Evaluation by disease showed that rehabilitation had not been achieved in 14% of dialysis patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and in 89% of those with diabetes. 3) The total number of dialysis patients between 15 and 64 years of age in Fukuoka Prefecture is 1632. Compelete rehabilitation was attained in 56% of them and partial rehabilitation in 14%. Rating of rehabilitation revealed complete or partial rehabilitation in 63.0% of males and 80.5% of females. Thus females on maintenance hemodialysis were better rehabilitated than males (p