Being a hemodialysis patient. Is it a disruption in life?

Abstract

Aim: The restrictions of the renal replacement therapy affect the quality of life of patients diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). The struggle of surviving with the chronic illness brings the need for social support. Herein, we described the perception of the hemodialysis (HD) patients to define the social support to increase the life quality. Material and Methods: We included 378 (190 females; 188 males) patients in the study. The patients were attending HD sessions for at least six months. Social relations after ESRD diagnosis were evaluated with a questionnaire. A pilot study of the questionnaire was executed at HD centers of Başkent University. According to the results, the language of the questionnaire is simplified. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16. Results: The mean age was 54±16.5 years. Half them had primary school education (54%), where the majority was women. The effect of the HD treatment on the social life was statistically significant in both male and female patients. The percentage of rise in the expectation from the partner (50%) and failing at the family liabilities (45.7%), were higher in male patients. In both gender, the highest percentage was the rise in the expectation from the relatives ( females 63.7%; males 66%). The effect of the HD treatment on social and work life found to be changed according to the level of education. As the level of education increased, the percentage of loneliness and social isolation increased. Among all components of social life the need of the partner support was the highest (43.4%). Conclusion: ESRD patients have a life full of disruptions starting from the first day of diagnosis. Being dependent to a health facility and living with dietary restrictions make their life more unbearable and bring the need for support by all means