Level of knowledge and self-care capacity in individuals undergoing hemodialysis and its relationship with quality of life

Abstract

Introduction: To determine the level of knowledge that hemodialysis patients have about their disease and treatment, assess their ability for self-care, and examine its relationship with health-related quality of life. Material and Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in two dialysis units. Thirty-one hemodialysis patients were studied, with a mean age of 67.2±14 years (71% male). The study assessed the level of knowledge about the disease and treatment, self-care ability, and quality of life (using COOP/WONCA charts). Additionally, sociodemographic, clinical, comorbidity, and dependence variables were collected. Results: 9.7% of the patients were employed. 16.1% had no formal education, 38.7% had basic education, 32.3% had secondary education, and 12.9% had a university education. 61% had a high level of knowledge about their disease and treatment, 32% had a moderate level, and 7% had a low level. 52% of the patients demonstrated a high capacity for self-care, while 48% showed a moderate capacity. 3.2% of the patients exhibited severe dependence, 22.6% moderate dependence, 6.5% mild dependence, and 67.7% were autonomous. The average score on the quality-of-life questionnaire was 24.06±6.5 points. A significant relationship was found between the level of knowledge and age (0.384; p<0.05) and educational level (0.464; p<0.01). Conclusions: Patients exhibit a high level of knowledge about their disease and treatment, along with a high degree of autonomy and self-care capabilities. Younger patients and those with higher education levels show better results, although these variables do not appear to be directly related to quality of life.