Quality of life in predialytic uremic patients.
This study describes and analyses how 38 predialytic uremic patients perceived their sense of well-being, functional ability, level of anxiety and sense of coherence. The patients in this study reported decreased sense of well-being, considerable functional disabilities, and a high level of anxiety when compared to a healthy reference group. These observations were independent of laboratory data with the exception of hemoglobin concentration which showed a significant negative correlation to the SIP scale work. There was a significant negative correlation between the scores of sense of coherence and anxiety. Patients with a weak sense of coherence and a high level of anxiety perceived their well-being as being worse than those with higher scores in the sense of coherence test and lower scores in the level of anxiety test. Sense of well-being in turn influenced functional ability in daily life. Social and marital status also affected the results. These results indicate that the investigated group of predialytic patients have a decrease in quality of life. The results obtained provide a useful instrument showing in which areas care should be concentrated and in what way patients' own resources need to be strengthened while preparing for dialysis treatment.
Department of Special Medicine, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm.
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Klang
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Björvell
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Clyne
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000523:psychology*; D013548:Sweden; D014511:Uremia / Q000523:psychology*