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.