The quality of life for Hong Kong dialysis patients

Aim. This study set out to measure the quality of life (QoL) of the dialysis patient. The first aim was to investigate the QoL of Hong Kong dialysis patients, and the second to understand the relationship between the demographic data and the QoL of the subjects.

Rationale. Patients undergoing dialysis experience problems with disease‐specific symptoms. The combination of a decrease in energy, the unavoidable emergence of socioeconomic problems, and emotional reactions compounds the stress facing the patient. The life of a dialysis patient may be lacking in quality. Few studies have examined the QoL of Hong Kong dialysis patients. More information is needed to establish how patients can be helped to lead more productive lives.

Methods. The Chinese Dialysis QoL Scale was used. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit patients from the outpatient clinics of dialysis centres. The distribution score on each item and the overall score were computed, with a lower score indicating greater negative impact of dialysis. To compare whether there is a difference in the average QoL score obtained between different groups on each of the demographic variables, one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post hoc analysis were used. Pearson’s product moment correlation was used to examine the relationships between the demographic variables and the overall QoL score.

Findings. Of the 180 scales distributed, 164 were returned, giving a response rate of 91%. The mean of the total score was 132·5 with SD 16·68, varying between 97 and 179. The item mean score was 3·31. Marital status, type of modalities, and age appear to have no relationship to QoL.

Conclusion. Patients undergoing dialysis in this study experienced multiple physical, social, economic and psychological changes. The priority of healthcare services should therefore be to provide support in the areas of family and social life, information and employment.