Improving quality of life in hemodialysis: impact of an occupational therapy program

Abstract

The aim of this study was to verify the impact of an occupational therapy (OT) program on the Quality of Life (QoL) of hemodialysed patients. Sixty patients with chronic renal disease undergoing regular hemodialysis were involved. A study group composed of 20 subjects was submitted to an OT program while a control group with 40 subjects followed conventional treatment. Upon analyzing the group as a whole, the study group showed significant improvement in mental health (p = 0.05) and the control group showed a deterioration in the pain domain (p = 0.04). No significant change was observed when comparing groups. When the group was divided between the genders, female patients in the study group scored improvements in the categories of Pain, Emotional Aspects, and Mental Health, whereas no corresponding significant change was found in the control group. A significant improvement was observed in the pain domain (p < 0.05) when comparing groups. In male patients, no significant changes were observed in the study group whereas a significant deterioration occurred in functional capacity in the control group. No significant changes were observed when comparing groups. The conclusion is that to improve their QoL occupational therapy may be included in the therapeutic approach for patients under hemodialysis.

Factors Influencing Quality of Life in Adult End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

“…In addition, Mariotti and de Carvalho (2011) reported that QOL showed a relative increase after a certain period from the start of hemodialysis as patients adapted to its role in their lives. This finding might also have influenced the QOL results, as 25% of Yang's (2008) subjects had been receiving dialysis treatment for 95 years, but this number was 45.5% in this study.…”

“…Social impact includes important transitions in familial, interpersonal, and work relationships, such that hemodialysis patients can become socially isolated (Mariotti & de Carvalho, 2011). Khaira et al (2012), who conducted a study on depression and marital dissatisfaction among Indian hemodialysis patients, reported that, among patients and their spouses, depression correlated with QOL and perceived marital stress.…”

“…Khaira et al (2012), who conducted a study on depression and marital dissatisfaction among Indian hemodialysis patients, reported that, among patients and their spouses, depression correlated with QOL and perceived marital stress. Married patients with ESRD and their spouses exhibit complex psychosocial interactions (Mariotti & de Carvalho, 2011). Thus, simple quantitative variables such as marital status and qualitative variables such as marital satisfaction need to be considered.…”

“…The QOL of patients with ESRD receiving hemodialysis is also reportedly low because of negative emotional symptoms (Cruz, Fleck, & Polanczyk, 2010). After all, signs, symptoms, and treatment of ESRD may impose physical, emotional, and social limitations upon patients, such as complications with regard to performance and low QOL (Mariotti & de Carvalho, 2011). Thus, understanding factors affecting QOL is critical for effective intervention.…”

“…However, it was soon recognized that other interventions were necessary for controlling complications. Thus, the QOL of patients with ESRD on hemodialysis was poor (Mariotti & de Carvalho, 2011).…”