Equity of Maintenance Hemodialysis in Myanmar: Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

Background: Maintenance hemodialysis has been the commonest Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) in Myanmar. The equity is questionable Myanmar, a developing country, as developed countries reported inequities of dialysis various aspects. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted selected Hemodialysis Centers (HDC) which are under care government Myanmar August 2022. Data were collected by using standardized forms and analysis done. Results: total 168 cases from 5 HDC situated Yangon (lower part Myanmar), Nay Pyi Taw (central Aung Ban (Eastern Lashio (North eastern Myanmar) Kyaing Ton (near Golden Triangle) included. age range 21-79 years; old not excluded for maintenance hemodialysis. Male to female ratio 1:1.2 revealing accessibility both sex proportion ethnic groups Burmese (139/168), Rakhine (8/168), Karen (7/168), Shan (6/168), Danu (2/168), Paoh (1/168), Chin Kachin inlay Lesue (1/168) Larhu (1/168); it accordance with normal distribution Regarding religion, majority Buddhist (158/168); Nine patients Christian. One patient Islam. It proportionate percentage population religion 2014 Census. Only 38 graduates four illiterate; therefore, illiterates accessible Ninety-eight percent had comorbidities; and, 5% comorbid diseases multiple status left behind. Half unemployed pointing that jobless Median travel time HD center 45 minutes (IQR 26-120 minutes). maximum 3 hours (180 minutes) patients. required 60 HDC. Fifty booster vaccination COVID-19. Most patients, over 90%, doing their daily routine activity without assistance. satisfied treatments corresponding Conclusion: There no difference age, sex, race, comorbidity, employment status, underlying etiology education terms Although they dealing long more than one hour 50% cases, attitude positive. As half an hour, we need new Ban. Resource allocation renal replacement therapy should be encouraged at ministry level.