The quality of life of kidney patients

Abstract

Kidney failure and the consequent need for dialysis treatment have a major impact on the patient’s quality of life and can jeopardise their professional and family life. We carried out a descriptive-correlational, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach with the aim of assessing the impact of sociodemographic variables on the quality of life of people with chronic kidney failure. The sample consisted of 30 patients from a hospital in the northern region who attended routine haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis appointments and were given the MOS SF-36 questionnaire. The main results indicate that the patients had a more positive perception of their quality of life in terms of social functioning, mental health, general health and vitality, with a lower perception of physical functioning. Gender, age, and educational qualifications were statistically significant factors in quality of life. It is essential to find strategies that can improve the quality of life of people with kidney failure.