Daily and social activities influence the quality of life of renal chronic patients in hemodialysis

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the physical and social factors that influence the quality of life of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis (HD). Study Design: Descriptive and cross-sectional. Methods: There were 149 patients with CKD routinely submitted to HD that answered a questionnaire adapted (Medical Results Survey; SF-36) about the presence of symptoms during and after the HD sessions, main diseases concomitant, and the presence of factors that influence the quality of life. Results: According to the multivariate analysis, the presence of symptoms after the HD contributes to a decrease in the quality of life (p=0.04). However, emotional well-being was positively associated with social activities (p=0.01). The daily activities and the absence of concomitant diseases are associated with good health and, therefore, a better quality of life for patients with CKD (p<0.05). Patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes should be better observed, since such illnesses are always associated with renal dysfunction. Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that the chronic renal patients should be inserted into social environments and should perform daily activities despite the limitations of the treatment since an active lifestyle contributes positively to their well-being and quality of life.