End stage renal disease (ESRD) is a major health problem worldwide that is increasing in incidence, prevalence, and cost. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become an important outcome indicator in research on patients with chronic illnesses, particularly in assessing the effects of various related determinants. This study assesses the impact of regular dialysis on the quality of life (QoL) for hemodialysis patients.
Methodology
This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in a major dialysis center. After excluding patients with psychiatric comorbidities, 262 stable dialysis patients completed a questionnaire consisting of demographic questions and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVAs, and multiple linear regression analysis.
Results
Of the 262 patients, 51.5% were male and 48.5% were female. Their mean age was 46.1±16.5 years. Compared to the general population, all study participants showed lower scores on all subscales of the SF-36; their lowest scores were in physical (30.2%) and emotional (36.8%) role limitations. However, overall HRQoL was significantly better among male than among female patients (p=0.002). Meanwhile, HRQoL was significantly lower for patients aged 65 and older compared to patients in other age groups. Therefore, gender and age in years were independent predictors of variance in HRQoL. However, together, they accounted for just 5.7% of the variance in HRQoL.
Conclusion
Low HRQoL among HD patients, with male patients having an HRQoL advantage over female patients. Additionally, aging and the experience with HD have negative effect on HRQoL. Intervention programs for HD, targeting psychosocial factors, is recommended to improve HRQoL.