Chronic diseases are irreversible pathological changes that cannot be cured completely, are continuously progressive and often lead to permanent failure and disability, while at the same time causing pain and limitations in the physical, psychological, social, and economic life of patients. These disorders also require long-term follow-ups, care and control. Chronic renal failure, which is a disease that significantly affects the lives of patients, is one example of chronic disease. Hemodialysis is a widespread treatment modality in this disease. The aim of this study was to determine the stress levels of hemodialysis patients by assessing the effect of dialysis on Quality of Life. The study was performed with 573 patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment in the dialysis units of Izmir Katip Celebi University (Atatürk Training and Research Hospital), Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, Ege University Training and Research Hospital, and other private dialysis centers in Izmir (FMC Ege, FMC Nasır, FMC Karşıyaka, FMC Hatay, FMC Buca, FMC Sevgi and FMC Gaziemir). Data were obtained from the “Introductory Questionnaire,” the “Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36)” and “Beck Depression Inventory.” The data were then analyzed using SPSS 22.0 and AMOS software. The study revealed a negative correlation between “physical function,” “physical component summary scale scores” and age. Having a higher level of education was associated with higher scores of physical function, general health, vitality, mental health, as well as with higher scores on the physical component summary scale. The Quality of Life Scale scores decreased as Beck Depression Inventory scores fell. In terms of patient safety and patient satisfaction, it might be recommended that training programs on the adverse effects of hemodialysis on quality of life be set up and psycho-therapeutic assistance be made a requirement in an effort to prevent the psychological impact of these adversities on patients.

Keywords: Hemodialysis, Chronic Kidney Disease, Quality of Life, Chronic Renal Failure, Depression

Biography:
Ozlem Yazici is working as a faculty in the Okan University. She completed her PhD in Medical education in 2008 at Istanbul University Health Science Institute. She is the member of the Intensive Care Nurses Society and Admiral Bristol Graduates and Members Society. She has published many articled in reputed journals.