QUALITY OF LIFE IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

PURPOSE: To explore the quality of life in hemodialysis patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample studied consisted of 320 patients undergoing hemodialysis in one-day dialysis center. Data were collected by the completion of a specially designed questionnaire which apart from the sociodemographic and clinical variables, it also included the scale Missoula-VITAS Quality of Life Index (MVQOLI) for assessing quality of life. RESULTS: Of the 320 hemodialysis patients, 57,2% were men while 28,1% of the participants were 71-80 years old. The average total score of quality of life was found to be 17.43 (in a range 0-30). The total score of quality of life was found to be higher in participants <60 years (p= 0,009), of higher educational level (p=0.001), being very informed about the health problem (p=0,013), complied with therapeutic recommendations and the proposed diet (p=0,025 & p=0,012, respectively), having very good relations with the medical and nursing staff or other patients (p<0,001), not experiencing difficulties with social or family environment (p=0,001), had help at home (p <0,001) and in those who did not conceal their health problem from the social environment (p<0.001). Furthermore, it was found that the increasing duration of hemodialysis session entailed poorer quality of life (p<0,001). These results were largely confirmed by multiple linear regression. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics seems to influence the quality of life in hemodialysis patients.