Abstract

Objective

To identify and measure factors associated with health-related quality of life of patients on hemodialysis with chronic kidney disease, and to analyze the association of health-related quality of life and adherence to the therapeutic hemodialysis regimen.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with 258 patients on hemodialysis therapy. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form questionnaire. We analyzed the specific components of chronic kidney disease, and the physical and mental components summary. The analysis of non-adherence to the hemodialysis regimen was based on the indicators of the study, The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study. The Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used for the analysis.

Results

White female subjects, under 60 years of age, who were of a low socioeconomic level, required an accompanying person during hemodialysis therapy for less than 5 years, were prescribed ten or more medications, had low serum levels of albumin and hemoglobin, and did not adhere to fluid restriction and hemodialysis therapy experienced a lower health-related quality of life.

Conclusion

The assessment of health-related quality of life in patients on hemodialysis was associated with sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics. The monitoring of these parameters, as well as the attempts to achieve recommended standards, will be able to support clinical practice, improve the planning of care, and improve several aspects of the lives of the patients.

Renal insufficiency; Renal dialysis; Patient compliance; Quality of life