Competition Policy Analysis

Abstract

This research aimed to find out the perceptions of individuals with chronic renal failure (CRF) on their quality of life (QL) in a hemodialysis interior unit in Bahia. It is a descriptive exploratory study of qualitative approach, accomplished by means of a semi-structured interview. The results were analyzed according to content analysis in the second Minayo thematic modality. We interviewed 19 individuals who emerged from their testimony in three general categories: Perceptions of the concept of QL, QL impact of CRF on hemodialysis and Implications of the dimensions of QL. The first was divided into three subcategories: Multidimensional Balance, Health / Absence of Disease and Presence of Faith. The second was divided into two: water and diet restriction and limitation of functional capacity. And the third was subdivided into three: The social changes, the restriction of entertainment and leisure activities and territorial displacement to perform exhaustive dialysis. This survey revealed that hemodialysis and the disease affects the everyday life of these people, because they cause physical and social limitations, involving their work and eating habits plus their culture. It is concluded that care provided to customers dependent on dialysis treatment should go beyond the traditional biomedical focus on disease and that research can bring new comprehensive contributions to give more humane assistance.