[The manner of care, self care and quality of life dialysis patients].

BACKGROUND

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to describe specific strategies used by ESRD patients to manage their illness on their own behalf in order to attain their health goals, promote personal development and well-being.

METHODS

A representative sample of 178 patients on dialysis of the Swiss German-speaking population was selected. The participants were treated in-centre on hemodialysis (HD) or had ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Data collection procedure for specific self-care activities was structured interviews. Self-care capabilities were measured with the ASA-scale and well-being was rated on the Cantril's ladder.

RESULTS

Both patient groups were comparable on demographics, severity of illness except for dialysis duration, social support and general self-care capabilities. Both patient groups scored their subjective well-being 7 or higher on a scale of 10. There was a significant positive correlation between amount of dialysis self-care and subjective well-being. There was no difference in effectiveness of dialysis self-care between in-centre HD and CAPD patients.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate that patients in this study perform a substantial amount of self-care and perceive their subjective well-being as good. These findings indicate that treatment modalities both of HD and CAPD provide equal opportunities for quality of life if patient selection is based on history of renal disease, available social support and self-care capabilities.