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Quality of patients’ life undergoing a periodic hemodialysis program (Master thesis)

Χαραλαμπίδου, Συμέλα/ Charalampidou, Symela

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease, is a disease that impacts both physical and mental health of patients and affects quality of their life. Purpose: The purpose of the current research paper, is the study of patients’ quality of life with Chronic Kidney Disease, who are undergoing dialysis treatment, without checking if and which demographic and social factors have an effect on quality of their life. Methodology: During the period 10/02/2023 to 31/03/2023, the specialized KDQOL-SFTM questionnaires were completed by patients undergoing dialysis treatment in a Private Hemodialysis Center in Larissa. Questionnaires were distributed to 75 patients, while only 59 completed questionnaires were received. Statistical analyzes were performed in the IBM SPSS version 26 software and the reliability of the components was assessed through the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: The results showed that the mean values of the component scores ranged from 31.6 for work status to 92.2 for hemodialysis staff encouragement. Regarding the three summary components, the mean value of the kidney disease component (KDCS) was estimated at 69.5 with a standard deviation of 10.9, the overall mental health (MCS) at 57.2 with a standard deviation 21.6 and the overall physical health (PCS) at 58.7 with a standard deviation of 23.2. Conclusion: Dialysis patients are a special population group of chronic patients. Quality of Life is affected by MCS and PCS. A personalized and holistic therapeutic approach can improve quality of life of dialysis patients.