[Health related quality of life among patients on chronic hemodialysis].
BACKGROUND
Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients on chronic hemodialysis (CHD), is associated with mortality, complications and compliance to treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To assess HRQOL in a group of patients on CHD.


METHODS
A cross-sectional multicenter study was carried out, involving 224 patients from five CHD units (3 private and 2 public) in Bio Bio Region, using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life -36 items (KDQOL-36) questionnaire and Karnofsky scale. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher values representing a better HRQOL.


RESULTS
Physical and Mental scales and subscales of symptoms, effect and the burden of kidney disease subscales rendered scores below 50 (the referential value), in 80%, 61%, 8%, 43% and 80% of evaluations, respectively. The lower scores were observed in patients with diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypoalbuminemia, serum creatinine below 9.4 mg/dL, age >or=55 years and in those with a low economic and educational level (p <0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
HRQOL in patients on hemodialysis had values below the referential score in subjects with diabetes and coronary artery disease, poor nutritional status and a low educational and socioeconomic level. The incorporation of support professionals, such as social workers, psychologists, dieticians, covering psychosocial factors, could improve the patients quality of life.
Zúñiga San Martín
Carlos
C
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica Santísima Concepción (UCSC), Concepción, Chile. czunigasm2002@yahoo.com
Dapueto P
Juan
J
Müller O
Hans
H
Kirsten L
Lilian
L
Alid A
Raquel
R
Ortiz M
Liliana
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D017567:Karnofsky Performance Status; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D055815:Young Adult