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During the congress, E-Posters will be accessible to all participants on the congress website 24/7, as well as in the E-poster stations in the congress center.
Preparing your E-Poster
Please review the E-Poster format requirements carefully when preparing your E-Poster. Should your E-Poster not meet the mentioned requirements, it may not be displayed as described above.
E-Poster Submission Deadline
Please prepare and upload your E-Poster no later than March 14, 2026 11.59PM CET. After this date, you will no longer be able to prepare and upload your E-poster and it will not be displayed and accessible on the congress website.
Please follow the instructions below to input your abstract title.
Abstract titles should be brief and reflect the content of the abstract.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), represents a growing public health concern in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reflecting global trends of increasing disease burden. CKD is a progressive condition that can culminate in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where kidney function is irreversibly lost. Without timely interventions such as dialysis or transplantation, patients face life-threatening complications. Dialysis, though life-sustaining, imposes major financial, emotional, and psychosocial burdens on patients and their families. Despite its growing prevalence, there is limited research on the socio-economic challenges faced by CKD patients in the UAE, restricting the development of targeted policies and patient support mechanisms.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among CKD patients and their caregivers in two major hospital in Dubai—Dubai Hospital and American Hospital Dubai. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires assessing financial burden, access to healthcare, employment status, and quality of life. Complementary qualitative insights were gathered through in-depth interviews with patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to explore lived experiences and coping mechanisms. Descriptive and thematic analyses were employed to interpret the data.
A total of 118 CKD patients participated in the survey. Most were married, retired, or unemployed, and nearly half were Emirati nationals. Advanced disease stages were common, with many participants unaware of their CKD stage. Financial constrain was significant: nearly 30% reported income disruption, 22.9% lacked health insurance, and 16.1% self-financed their treatment. Family and social networks were the main sources of financial and emotional support. CKD negatively affected daily life—high levels of fatigue, physical pain, poor sleep, dietary restrictions, and social withdrawal were frequently reported. Mental health issues such as emotional distress, depression, and low self-esteem were prevalent. Qualitative interviews with 12 caregivers revealed similar burdens, highlighting challenges in managing costs, emotional fatigue, and treatment adherence, which often depended on the availability of social and institutional support.
This study provides the first comprehensive examination of the socio-economic and psychosocial challenges faced by CKD patients and caregivers in the UAE. Findings underscore the need for integrated, patient-centred care that combines medical management with financial, psychological, and social support systems. Policymakers and healthcare providers should prioritize accessible insurance coverage, patient education, and caregiver support programs to improve long-term outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with CKD in the UAE.
