Objective

The aim of the present study was to analyze the health-related quality of life in hemodialysis patients and their relationship with anxiety and depression.

Material and Method

One hundred and twenty-two hemodialysis patients were studied, with an age of 66.47 ± 14.2 years (34.4% women). A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in around the Nephrology Unit of the Reina Sofía University Hospital of Cordoba. The health-related quality of life (KDQOL-SF questionnaire), anxiety and depression (Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire) and associated comorbidity were studied.

Results

In the KDQOL scale, the most affected dimensions were: Work Status, Kidney Disease Burden, Sexual Function and Sleep. In the dimensions of the SF questionnaire, the most affected areas were: Physical Role, General Health and Physical Function. 42.6% of the patients presented probability of having anxiety, 52.5% depression, and 32.8% had the probability of suffering both alterations (anxiety and depression). Anxiety and depression were significantly associated with worse scores in all dimensions of the KDQOL-SF questionnaire.

Conclusions

Hemodialysis patients have a worse quality of life than the healthy reference population, especially in the Kidney Disease Burden, Sleep, General health, Vitality, Physical Function and Physical Role dimensions. This decrease in the quality of life is related to the probability of suffering anxiety and/or depression. Female sex, associated comorbidity and length of time on hemodialysis are also associated with a worse quality of life.