Physical and Emotional Symptoms and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Objective (s): Hemodialysis patients suffer from physical and psychosocial symptoms that can impair quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between physical and emotional symptoms and QOL among hemodialysis patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 100 patients with end-stage renal disease that referred to the main hemodialysis centers, in Qum, Iran. Data was collected using a questionnaire that included three parts, socio-demographic factors, the SF-36 for measuring QOL, and the Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. Results: The most commonly reported symptoms were fatigue, feeling irritable, nervous and worry. Higher scores observed for social functioning (mean =59.46), while it was lowest for role limitation due to physical problems (mean =30.89) Frequency of symptoms had significant correlation with all QOL subscales (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that hemodialysis patients experience high physical and psychosocial symptoms and these symptoms affected negatively the QOL of patients. Measurement, evaluation and treatment of symptoms of patients might improve quality of life this patient population.

Keywords

• burden symptom
• quality of life
• hemodialysis patients