title: Factors Influencing Quality of Life in Adult End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The population of individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Korea is increasing rapidly, yet comprehensive research on the quality of life (QOL) of this population undergoing hemodialysis is scarce.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing QOL of Korean hemodialysis patients with ESRD.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study was a cross-sectional survey. Data were drawn from a convenience sample of 141 patients aged >18 years receiving maintenance hemodialysis in a general hospital. Data were collected by a self-administrated survey conducted from June 15 to July 25, 2012. The questionnaire included basic subject data, QOL, fatigue, perceived health status, and emotional status.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean QOL score was 3.09 or "above average" as measured by the World Health Organization's (1993) Quality of Life Assessment. Significant differences were observed for basic subject data including educational level, occupation, monthly income, medical expense assistance, and family living situation. Significant negative correlations were found between QOL and fatigue and between anxiety and depression, but a significant positive correlation was found with perceived health status. The factors influencing QOL were fatigue and depression, marital status (married), and medical expense assistance (from self or parents).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study indicate that, to improve the QOL in patients with ESRD, comprehensive intervention is necessary to assess and manage depression and fatigue. Social mediation is needed to enhance the QOL of patients with ESRD who lack familial and economic support, those who are single, or those who cannot afford medical expenses either by themselves or with the help of their parents.
authors.affiliation: 1MSN, Registered Nurse, Nursing Department, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea 2PhD, Professor, Faculty of Red Cross, College of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea 3PhD, Associate Professor, Faculty of Red Cross, College of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ju-Eun
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Kyunghee
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Ji-Su
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D056910:Republic of Korea; D055815:Young Adult