HEALTHCARE FINANCING, TREATMENT ADHERENCE, AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG RENAL PATIENTS IN PAKISTAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY FROM SARGODHA

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health, economic, and psychosocial issue and it is especially problematic in low-resource countries such as Pakistan. The proposed cross-sectional research examines how healthcare financing influences the treatment adherence and quality of life among renal patients in Sargodha. Survey of 250 patients was done through a structured questionnaire which involved the WHOQOL-BREF scale. The analysis of Pearson correlation found that there was a weak, significant positive correlation between healthcare financing and treatment adherence (r = 0.127, p = 0.045), and no significant correlation between financing and quality of life (r = 0.082, p = 0.198). Results indicate that financial aid helps to comply with it but on its own, it does not bring a positive impact on overall well-being. The paper points out the importance of combining financial aid, patient education, and psychosocial support as integrated interventions that can help to improve health outcomes. Findings offer policy implications to policymakers, health caregivers, and future studies to streamline the renal care under resource-restricted settings