Quality of life of chronic renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic renal failure (CRF) causes loss of functional capacity of patients compromising their quality of life (QOL). Objective: To evaluate the QOL of CRF patients undergoing hemodialysis, comparing it with patients' gender, marital status, and employment status. Method: This is an observational, cross-sectional study with CRF patients. The Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF) was the tool used for data collection. Results: A total of 60 patients were evaluated; 31 male, with mean age of 56,3 ± 12,3 years. Females presented worse physical function (p=0,02) than males; physical capacity (p=0,04), and emotional capacity (p=0,02), and at the total score of KDQOL-SF (p=0,03). Widowed individuals presented worse vitality/fatigue (p=0,01) and cognitive function (p=0,01). Employed individuals showed to have less effects of the CRF in their daily life (p=0,01) and at the total score of KDQOL-SF (p= 0,01). Age presented a negative and weak correlation with physical function (r= -0,25; p= 0,04) and sexual function (r= -0,32; p=0,01). Conclusion: Females, widows and aging individuals with CRF presented worse scores on the QOL questionnaire.