Resumo

ZUNIGA SM, Carlos et al. Health related quality of life among patients on chronic hemodialysis. Rev. méd. Chile [online]. 2009, vol.137, n.2, pp.200-207. ISSN 0034-9887.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0034-98872009000200003.

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients on chronic hemodialysis (CHD), is associated with mortality, complications and compliance to treatment. Aim: To assess HRQOL in a group of patients on CHD. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional multicenter study was carried out, involving 224 patients from five CHD units (3 prívate and 2 public) in Bio Bio Región, using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life -36 items (KDQOL-36) questionnaire and Karnofsky scale. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher values representing a better HRQOL. Results: Physical and Mental scales and subscales of symptoms, effect and the burden of kidney disease subscales rendered scores below 50 (the referential valué), in 80%, 61%, 8%, 43% and 80% of evaluations, respectively. The lower scores were observed in patients with diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypoalbuminemia, serum creatinine below 9.4 mg/dL, age >55years and in those with a low economic and educational level (p <0.05). Conclusions: HRQOL in patients on hemodialysis had valúes below the referential score in subjects with diabetes and coronary artery disease, poor nutritional status and a low educational and socioeconomic level. The incorporation of support professionals, such as social workers, psychologists, dieticians, covering psychosocial factors, could improve the patients quality of life.

Palavras-chave : Kidney failure, chronic; Psychology, social; Quality of life.

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