Introduction:

People on renal replacement therapy at working age traditionally have significantly lower employment rates than the general population.

Objective:

To describe the employment situation of people with chronic kidney disease on renal replacement therapy in Spain and to identify the significant associated factors.

Material and Method:

Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and comparative study of people in the different renal replacement treatments, during the work period of 16 to 64 years. Their employment situation and other socio-demographic and socio-economic factors were analysed through the use of an ad hoc questionnaire.

Results:

In 437 people with advanced chronic kidney disease on haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or transplantation. The employment rate was 27%, 84.21% of people had a certificate of disability and 46.45% had a recognized incapacity for work. The transplanted persons presented higher monthly economic income. Patients receiving home dialysis had a higher employment rate (37.64% compared to 27.89% of transplant recipients, and 20.37% of people on centre haemodialysis).

Conclusions:

People in renal replacement therapy at working age have significant limitations in access to employment. Although, there are important differences depending on the treatment option chosen. Information and decision-making regarding the option of renal replacement treatment are key for maintaining or obtaining a job, for the future economic situation, and even for the recognition of incapacity for work.

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