Investigation of Perception of Quality of Life and Psychological Burden of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis-Quality of Life of Hemodialysis Patients

• Main Authors: Nikos Rikos (Author), Anna Kassotaki (Author), Chara Frantzeskaki (Author), Maria Fragiadaki (Author), Andreas Mpalaskas (Author), Georgios Vasilopoulos (Author), Manolis Linardakis (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2023-09-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.3390/nursrep13030112; 2039-4403; 2039-439X
• Keywords: hemodialysis; chronic kidney disease (CKD); quality of life (QOL); psychological states; depression; anxiety; Nursing; RT1-120
• Source: Nursing Reports, Vol 13, Iss 3, Pp 1331-1341 (2023)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a significant impact on the life of patients undergoing chronic periodic hemodialysis. It negatively affects their social, economic and family status, and particularly their psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of the quality of life (QoL) and psychological burden of patients undergoing hemodialysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 63 patients. Τhe majority were men (63.5%), and the mean age of the patients was 66.7 years (±12.9) with 61.9% aged 65-89 years. Data collection was performed in 2021 using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Kidney Disease and Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF™) research tools, and their relationships were assessed using parametric and non-parametric methods. Moderate to mild levels of Anxiety and Depression were found. Physical and Mental Composite Scores were mild to moderate, with the Mental Composite Score being significantly higher (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Anxiety and Depression were significantly correlated with lower QoL (<i>p</i> < 0.05), while a higher educational level was correlated with lower Depression Symptom Levels and higher QoL for Disease Symptoms, Disease Effects, Physical Functioning, Vitality and Overall Health (<i>p</i> < 0.05). A higher number of years of hemodialysis was correlated with lower levels of Anxiety and higher levels of Quality of Sleep (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Ease of Access to the Hemodialysis Unit was correlated with lower levels of Social Support (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The highest Mental Composite Scores were also correlated with a higher level of education, with patients living in urban areas, and with a higher monthly income (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Patients with moderate or severe levels of Anxiety and Depression had a lower QoL in the Physical and Mental Composite Scores, indicating their dependence on the appropriate medical, nursing and social environment in order to attain higher levels of well-being, leading to the improvement of patients' health. This study was not registered.