title: Improving quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease: influence of acceptance and personality.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A low health-related quality of life (HQL) is associated with the evolution of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and mortality in patients in end-stage of the disease. Therefore research on psychological determinants of HQL is emerging. We investigate whether acceptance of the disease contributes to a better physical and mental health-related quality of life (PHQL and MHQL). We also examine the impact of personality characteristics on acceptance, PHQL and MHQL.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study, patients from an outpatient clinic of nephrology completed self-report questionnaires on quality of life, acceptance and personality characteristics. We performed correlations, regression analyses and a path analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our sample of 99 patients had a mean duration of CKD of 10.81 years and a mean estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD)-formula of 34.49 ml/min (SD 21.66). Regression analyses revealed that acceptance had a significant positive contribution to the prediction of PHQL and MHQL. Neuroticism was negatively associated with acceptance and MHQL. Path analysis showed that 37% of the total effect of neuroticism on MHQL was mediated by acceptance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Acceptance is an important positive variable in accounting for HQL, however, clinicians must be aware that if patients have a high level of neuroticism they are likely to have more difficulties with this coping strategy. These results provide a better understanding of psychological determinants of HQL in CKD, which can initiate another approach of these patients by nephrologists, specific psychological interventions, or other supporting public health services.
authors: Department of General Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. Carine.Poppe@ugent.be
authors: Carine
authors: C
authors: Poppe
authors: Geert
authors: G
authors: Crombez
authors: Ignace
authors: I
authors: Hanoulle
authors: Dirk
authors: D
authors: Vogelaers
authors: Mirko
authors: M
authors: Petrovic
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001519:Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010551:Personality; D011788:Quality of Life; D012044:Regression Analysis; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires