Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis

Background: hemodialysis in patients with end-stage renal disease affects various aspects of their lives, resulting in a decline in their overall quality of life (QOL). Studies measuring the QOL in patients on renal replacement therapy are limited in the Iraq. Objective: To identify the health-related quality of life of patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Settings: The study was carried out at at Ibn-Sina Dialysis Center , Baquba Teaching Hospital, Diyala Health Department and Republic of Iraq. Tools: One tool was used for data collection in the study. It was entitled as the Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis Interview Questionnaire. Results: the majority of patients reported having a "poor overall Quality of Life" in terms of the Physical Component Summary (PCS), Mental Component Summary (MCS), Burden of kidney disease KDS, Symptoms and problems, and Effects of kidney disease on daily life. Conclusion: Significant positive associations have also been identified between the duration of hemodialysis and impairments to body structure and function. Nurse's awareness plays a crucial role in well-being of hemodialysis patients and their ability to cope with their condition, also collaboration among medical professionals, nursing staff, clinicians and pharmacists is necessary to enhance the quality of life for these patients. Recommendations: The well-being of hemodialysis patients and their ability to cope with their condition can be enhanced by nurses who are aware of their quality of life. This awareness plays a crucial role in improving patient care and satisfaction. Further research is more studies be conducted using larger sample sizes in more HD clinical settings, in order to reach more broadly applicable conclusions