Comfort Level of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis and Associated Factors in Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hemodialysis is one of the treatment methods for chronic kidney disease, which is a common disease around the world. The problems that occur during the hemodialysis process may cause discomfort in patients. Therefore, it is important to regularly evaluate the concept of comfort in hemodialysis patients. Aim: To determine the comfort level of patients undergoing hemodialysis and the associated factors. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 95 patients who had been undergoing hemodialysis for at least 6 months. Data were collected using the sociodemographic characteristics form and the Hemodialysis Comfort Scale (HDCS). Results: The mean age of the participants was 58.37 ± 16.62 years. The median duration of hemodialysis was 5 (1–25) years. A total of 51% of the patients were male, 54.7% were married, 34.7% had completed primary school, and 85.3% had a comorbid chronic disease. The mean hemodialysis comfort score was 23.85 ± 6.93. The mean score was significantly higher in male patients (P = 0.041) and those without comorbid chronic disease (P = 0.013). There was a significant negative correlation between the age of hemodialysis patients and the mean hemodialysis comfort score (r = -0.260, P = 0.011). Conclusion: The comfort level was significantly better in hemodialysis patients who were male, those without comorbid disease, and those who were younger. There is a need to periodically assess the comfort level of hemodialysis patients and intervene when necessary in order to improve their quality of life.