Quality of Life and General Well-being in People Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: End-stage renal disease and hemodialysis treatment are debilitating and progressive and can significantly impact patients’ general well-being and quality of life. Understanding the impact of end-stage renal disease and hemodialysis on Jordanian patients may help healthcare providers improve the type of care delivered. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the quality of life and general well-being of patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment and to examine the differences in quality of life and general well-being scores based on participant age and gender. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 203 patients were recruited from different dialysis units across Jordan. Valid questionnaires were used to collect data on quality of life and general well-being, along with a demographic data sheet. Results: Participants scored moderately low on general well-being, with the highest mean for the social dysfunction and the depression sub-scales, respectively. The highest reported score was on the social relationships domain of quality of life, while the lowest was for the physical domain. Age groups significantly differed in their scores of general well-being and all domains of quality of life apart from the environmental domain. Female participants had significantly higher (worse) scores than males in terms of the total scores on general well-being and on somatic symptoms and depression sub-scales of general well-being. Conclusion: It was shown that hemodialysis treatment negatively influences patients’ quality of life and general well-being and interferes with their day-to-day lives. Implications for Nursing: Dialysis nurses play a vital role in monitoring and supporting their patients and might provide an avenue by which they can optimize patients’ quality of life and general well-being. Hence, working with patients to find the best possible care plan may positively impact patients’ lives and health outcomes. Keywords: Cross-sectional study, Hemodialysis, Quality of life, General well-being.