Environmental – Living Physical Environment – KidneyPal

Living Physical Environment

Environmental Domain

Got Any Questions?

Feel free to reach out and chat with us!

ENVIRONMENTAL

In the Environmental Domain, the sociodemographics that were moderately correlated were marital status (V = .362) and occupational status (rpb = .321). These two factors had a stronger relationship to environmental quality of life (QoL) compared to the other variables, which showed only weak correlations.

Marital status affected the Environmental Domain because having a spouse often provided emotional, financial, and practical support—such as assistance with transportation to dialysis, navigating the healthcare system, and maintaining a safe, stable home environment. Married patients tended to have better access to resources that improve environmental QoL, while single, divorced, or widowed individuals sometimes struggled with these supports, impacting their living conditions and access to care. Occupational status also influenced the Environmental Domain significantly. Employed patients benefited from better financial stability, allowing them to afford safer housing, better transportation, and necessary healthcare services. On the other hand, unemployed patients often faced financial hardships, limiting their environmental supports and worsening their ability to maintain a healthy and stable living situation.

Thus, marital and employment statuses moderately affected how CKD patients experienced their environment, while other factors like age, sex, education, income, and comorbidities had only weak effects.

General Interventions

(For age, sex, marital status, household income, comorbidities)

1. Maintain a clean and clutter-free living space, especially around your dialysis supplies.

A clean environment reduces infection risk

2. Ensure proper ventilation in your home to avoid respiratory issues that may worsen CKD conditions.

Good air circulation prevents respiratory complications

3. Set up a dedicated “safe zone” at home for recovery post-dialysis (quiet, sanitized, comfortable).

A calm, hygienic recovery area improves healing and comfort

Marital Status-Based: Married

1. Work with your spouse to regularly inspect your home for safety hazards (e.g., loose wires, wet floors).

Teamwork in home maintenance prevents accidents

2. Plan and budget together for home improvements that promote dialysis safety (e.g., installing railings, buying an air purifier).

Joint decisions ensure consistent health-focused environment upgrades

3. Divide household chores with your spouse to avoid overexertion after dialysis.

Energy conservation prevents fatigue and promotes faster recovery

Marital Status-Based: Widowed

1. Apply for senior citizen home modification programs that subsidize safety upgrades.

Senior programs prioritize safer homes for widowed elderly

2. Join senior or dialysis peer groups that can offer practical tips on safer living arrangements.

Peer advice encourages practical, effective changes

3. Install simple monitoring systems like door alarms to feel safer at home.

Added security increases peace of mind for widowed patients

Marital Status-Based: Separated

1. Redesign your living space for independence — minimize stairs, use mobility aids if needed.

Environment adaptation boosts independence and reduces injury risk

2. Request home visits from barangay health workers to assess and advise on safety improvements.

Expert evaluation ensures safer living conditions

3. Use local handyman services or government programs that help separated individuals with home adjustments.

External help improves safety for separated individuals without home support

Marital Status-Based: Single

1. Create a simple checklist for home maintenance tasks to ensure a safer environment.

Regular self-assessments maintain a dialysis-friendly home

2. Reach out to community services that help with home repairs and cleaning

Community help lightens the burden of living alone with chronic illness

3. Consider living in low-maintenance accommodations if maintaining a large home becomes challenging.

Downsizing improves safety and ease of care

Occupational Status-Based: Unemployed

1. Join government-sponsored housing programs to secure safer living conditions.

Good housing improves health and ensures security.

2. Enroll in community “Healthy Homes” projects offering free home safety evaluations and upgrades.

Free assessments and modifications reduce environmental risks

3. Engage in low-cost DIY home projects to improve your living space’s safety and cleanliness.

Simple home improvements increase safety without financial strain

Occupational Status-Based: Employed

1. Adapt your home workspace for ergonomic safety (e.g., adjustable chairs, proper lighting).

Home ergonomics reduce injury risks, especially post-dialysis

2. Schedule professional house-cleaning services if work limits your time to maintain cleanliness.

Cleanliness is critical to prevent infections and complications

3. Create a flexible home schedule that balances work responsibilities and time for dialysis care.

Balanced routines prevent burnout and health deterioration