[Quality of life, gender, complaints and humor among dialysis patients].
BACKGROUND
This study tested the correlation between quality of life and sense of humour as well as the sociodemographic and biomedical characteristics of patients in dialysis due to renal failure. Gender differences in all these variables were also tested.


METHODS
All patients in need of dialysis in Sør-Trøndelag county, Norway in February 1998 (N = 52) were recruited; 46 patients completed the survey (32 males and 14 females).


RESULTS
Males were more likely to be married and have a house of their own than were women. Correlation analysis stated that high quality of life was significantly associated with low comorbidity and a good sense of humour. The most efficient model to explain quality of life in multiple regression included serum albumin (not significant) and confirmed the independent contributions from low comorbidity and a good sense of humour.


CONCLUSIONS
Comorbidity and a sense of humour were factors of greater importance than serum albumin to differences in quality of life among patients on dialysis.
Kristoffersen
Bjørn
B
Seksjon for nyresykdommer Medisinsk avdeling St. Olavs Hospital 7006 Trondheim. bjorn.kristoffersen@rit.no
Svebak
Sven
S
Aasarød
Knut
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006437:Hemodialysis, Home / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014925:Wit and Humor as Topic / Q000523:psychology*