Management of Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis

An important dimension that influences the quality of life of hemodialysis patients is the pain they experience. Quality of life and self-efficacy in pain can play an important role in chronic kidney disease and treatment outcomes. The purpose of the study was to examine self-efficacy in pain and quality of life among patients with end stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis. Between April 2013 and June 2013, 224 hemodialysis patients completed the Missoula-VITAS Quality of Life Index-15 and the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. The study was conducted in four dialysis units in hospitals of the Peloponnese region. Sociodemographic data of patients and their individual medical history were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 19. The more effective the self-efficacy in pain, the lower the quality of life enjoyed by hemodialysis patients. The majority of respondents described the overall quality of life as "moderate," while the self-efficacy in pain depended on comorbidity or complications that accompany the process of hemodialysis. The findings of this study can be used in the development and improvement of health services for the management of patients. Healthcare professionals should understand the concerns and treat the symptoms of patients that affect quality of life, providing thereby holistic health care.