Somatopsychic correlates and quality of life of the dialyzed patient: a cross-sectional study

Background The dialysis delivered after a chronic kidney disease (CDK) or any otherwise severe end-stage renal failure is a complex medical task, leading to major medical and psychopathological distress for the patient. The aim of the present study was to analyze the impact of the dialysis experience on the nephrologic patient's global quality of life.Methods In the present cross-sectional study, involving 96 patients with end-stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis, demographic, medical, and psychological differential features across different CDK diagnoses were accounted and were then correlated each other.Results Among other differential features, the "acknowledgement of dependence" (from the medical device delivering the dialysis) emerged as a factor correlated to "self-sufficiency" in CDK patients receiving hemodialysis.Conclusions Although further, larger-sampled studies on the topic are needed, medical and psychological interventions are useful to ensure a better global quality of life and good therapeutic adherence in dialysis patients.