Evaluación de la calidad de vida en pacientes en hemodiálisis crónica mediante el cuestionario "Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-36)" Health related quality of life among patients on chronic hemodialysis

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among patients on chronic hemodialysis (CHD), is associated with mortality, complications and compliance to treatment. Aim: To assess HRQOL in a group of patients on CHD. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional multicenter study was carried out, involving 224 patients from five CHD units (3 prívate and 2 public) in Bio Bio Región, using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life -36 items (KDQOL-36) questionnaire and Karnofsky scale. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher values representing a better HRQOL. Results: Physical and Mental scales and subscales of symptoms, effect and the burden of kidney disease subscales rendered scores below 50 (the referential valué), in 80%, 61%, 8%, 43% and 80% of evaluations, respectively. The lower scores were observed in patients with diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypoalbuminemia, serum creatinine below 9.4 mg/dL, age >55years and in those with a low economic and educational level (p <0.05). Conclusions: HRQOL in patients on hemodialysis had valúes below the referential score in subjects with diabetes and coronary artery disease, poor nutritional status and a low educational and socioeconomic level. The incorporation of support professionals, such as social workers, psychologists, dieticians, covering psychosocial factors, could improve the patients quality of life.