To help improve understanding of the daytime patterns and factors that contribute to fatigue in individuals on hemodialysis, Dr. Bincy Joshwa, Wayne State University College of Nursing assistant professor, recently received Investigator Initiated Research Program funding from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation (BCBSM Foundation).

Her research project titled, “Trajectory Patterns and Factors Predicting Fatigue in Individuals on Hemodialysis,” was recently awarded a 12-month, $52,000 BCBSM Foundation grant. Dr. Joshwa’s longitudinal study will examine 3-day trajectory patterns of fatigue and the influence of select bio-behavioral and socio-structural factors on fatigue levels in individuals on Hemodialysis. The mediating role of sleep quality and cytokine levels will also be explored. She will use a combination of self-reporting and objective measures of fatigue such as the measurement of inflammatory markers, which often lead to fatigue development.

Dr. Bincy’s interdisciplinary research team includes Dr. Deborah Schutte (WSU College of Nursing), Dr. Moh Malek (WSU Eugene Applebaum Health Sciences and Pharmacy), Dr. Hossein Yarandi (WSU College of Nursing) and Dr. M. Safwan Badr (WSU School of Medicine).

The ultimate goal is for this study to lead to interventions that improve the quality of life for individuals on hemodialysis by reducing the burden of fatigue and its associated negative health outcomes and mortality.

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation funds approximately $2 million a year in research and community programs to improve health care in Michigan.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 28,000 students.