title: Predictors of survival among hemodialysis patients: effect of perceived family support.
abstract: The authors examined the role of perceived family support and symptoms of depression as predictors of survival in a sample of 78 in-center hemodialysis patients. Cox regression analysis revealed significant effects for family support (p < .005), blood urea nitrogen (p < .01), and age (p < .005). The effect for depression was not significant. The Cox model indicated that a 1-point increase on the family support measure was associated with a 13% reduction in the hazard rate (i.e., mortality). Estimated 5-year mortality rates among low family support patients were approximately 3 times higher than estimated mortality for high support patients. Differences in patient adherence to the dietary and medication regimens failed to explain the significant effect of family support.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Christensen
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Wiebe
authors.forename: T W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: C W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Turner
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D003710:Demography; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000401:mortality*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000401:mortality* / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016019:Survival Analysis; D013997:Time Factors