THE IMPACT OF HEMODIALYSIS ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE PATIENTS: A STUDY OF ADAPTATION AND TREATMENT CHALLENGES

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a prevalent and life-threatening condition that significantly impacts the health of individuals. As CKD progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), patients are often required to undergo renal replacement therapy (RRT), such as hemodialysis (HD), to sustain life. The advent of modern dialysis methods has led to a substantial increase in life expectancy for ESRD patients, extending it by an average of 10–12 years. However, despite the improvement in medical outcomes, the prospect of lifelong dialysis treatment presents various psychological and social challenges for patients. Dialysis is often perceived as the end of life by patients, leading to significant emotional distress.