Quality of Life and Medication Adherence among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: The Association with Clinical Parameters, Perceived Social Support, and Spiritual Needs

Abstract

Background and objectives: Patients undergoing hemodialysis face major changes in their daily lives, which affect both quality of life and medication adherence, while factors such as social support and spirituality may contribute to improving these outcomes. This research aimed to investigate the quality of life and the level of medication adherence in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis, as well as the influence of perceived social support and spirituality on them. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study. Ninety-three (93) patients voluntarily participated in the study. The average age at dialysis initiation and years on treatment were 62 years and 4 years, respectively. Patients responded to four questionnaires assessing quality of life, medication adherence, perceived social support, and spirituality. Results: A positive correlation was found between both social support and spirituality—although spirituality remained low—and an increase in patients’ quality of life as well as in self-efficacy and medication adherence. Finally, a high correlation was also found between the above and patients’ interest in transplantation, which is associated with a higher quality of life, a higher level of medication adherence, strengthening of interpersonal relationships, and high levels of social support, as well as higher levels of spirituality. Conclusions: Quality of life and medication adherence are related to clinical parameters, perceived social support, and spiritual needs.