Correlation between quality of life and adherence to treatment in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Introduction: Institutionalizing adherence to treatment in hemodialysis patients is one of the important nursing goals for improving quality of life in these patients. Adherence to treatment approach in these patients can play a pivotal role in improving the health level and feeling of well-being. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the quality of life in hemodialysis patients presenting to hemodialysis centers affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, on the basis of adherence to treatment. Patients and Methods: This is a correlational descriptive-analytic study. The study population consisted of hemodialysis patients in five hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, in 2017. The data were collected during 8 months from October 2016 to May 2017 in Tehran. A sample volume of 200 patients was determined in this study. Demographic information questionnaire, KDQOL-SF, and ESRD-AQ were applied in data collection. Availability sampling method was used to select the samples on the basis of inclusion criteria. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 18 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Our findings showed that 50% of the patients were male. Most of the respondents of the study (23%) were 51-60 years old. The results indicated that the mean score of quality of life of patients was 50.42±22.81. The mean total score of adherence to treatment was 901.13±85.30. Also, the correlation coefficient in this study revealed a significant correlation between total score of quality of life and adherence to treatment (r=0.218, P<0.01). Conclusion: Considering the significant correlation between adherence to treatment and life quality of patients, healthcare providers can promote the life quality of these patients via focusing on planning programs for emphasizing the role of education and interventions that improve adherence to treatment in these patients.