KIDNEY CARE: A Comparative Study on the Quality of Life of Filipino Patients on Dialysis

Abstract

End- stage renal disease is the medical diagnosis for the irreversible failure of the kidneys' ability to maintain homeostasis via excretion and regulation. It is a debilitating condition whereby the kidney requires artificial excretion for its survival. Dialysis acts as a filter that removes waste products, salt and extra water to prevent them from building up in the body. The objective of this study is to determine the quality of life of Filipino haemodialysis patients by duration of treatment. A concurrent mixed design consisting of purposive design and phenomenolgy were utilized. The study was conducted with 120 Filipino dialysis patients aged 19- 65 years old. Forty (n=40) dialysis patients were recruited for each group (less than a year, 1-3 years and more than 3 years) from three treatment units. A descriptive questionnaire was used to identify the socio- demographics of the participants, which also includes the adapted World Health Organization- Quality of Life Scale (WHO- QOL) WHO-BREF US version (1997)and KD-QOL (1995),and self- developed and validated attitudes scale. Semi- structured interview guide was also used to gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of dialysis patients. Survey and formal interviews were utilized to collect data. The QOL of patients who underwent dialysis “1-3 years” was slightly higher compared to ‘less than a year’ and ‘more than 3 years’. However, there was no statistically significant difference among the three groups. Results showed that patients experience physiological stressors during treatment wherein they employed problem- focused strategies. Most of the patients turned towards religion in coping with the challenges brought about by their disease and treatment. A further study on the effects of social support provided by primary care givers and nurses on the quality of life of patients on dialysis as well as the resilience’ of patients with ESRD could be done.