Quality of life of people on hemodialysis

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis cause significant changes in people's lives, which can compromise their quality of life. Objective: To analyze the dimensions of quality of life of hemodialysis patients. Method: Quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study, carried out in a clinic in the interior of the state of Espírito Santo. Patients with at least 12 months of admission and aged ≥ 18 years were included. Patients were excluded hospitalized. Data collection was carried out in September and October/2022, in person, using a form with the “Kidney Disease Quality of Life Questionaire Short Form (KDQOL-SF)”. The KDQOL-SF has 80 items, distributed across 19 dimensions. For each item, the response score is coded on a scale from 0 to 100. The score for each dimension is given by calculating the average of the scores, ranging from zero (worst perceived state) to 100 (best perceived state), without score established cut-off or classification. Descriptive statistics were used, with the support of SSPS 21® statistical software. CEP opinion no. 5,454,225. Results: 107 patients participated. The dimensions with the highest scores were: Social support (81.6±28.8), Support from the dialysis team (80.9±28.6) and Cognitive function (76.8±22.2). The dimensions that obtained the lowest scores were: Patient satisfaction (49.5±25); emotional well-being (48.7±13.4), physical function (45.3±23.8), emotional function (44.8±32.4), general health (39.3±12.2), sexual function (34.3±43.8) and work (24.2±31.7). Conclusion: A high level of social support was found, both from family and from the team. On the other hand, they were found reduced values, especially with regard to maintaining work and sexual activity, as well as general health, indicating areas that require attention from the health team.