Quality of life, self‐care and sense of coherence in patients on hemodialysis: A comparative study

The number of patients treated for end-stage renal disease increases in Sweden like the rest of the world. During the last six years more than 1000 persons a year started renal replacement therapy. Today hemodialysis patients have the opportunity to choose different treatment modalities—home hemodialysis, self‐care dialysis, or conventional dialysis. Purpose:  The aim of the study was to investigate differences in patient on home hemodialysis, self‐care dialysis, and conventional dialysis regarding quality of life, self‐care, and sense of coherence. Methods:  Questionnaires were used: Short Form (SF‐36), Appraisal of Self‐Care Agency (ASA‐scale), and Sense of Coherence scale (SOC). 19 patients were included in the study (five patients on home hemodialysis, six self‐care patients, and eight patients on conventional dialysis). Results:  The results showed a tendency of higher scores in quality of life, self‐care, and sense of coherence for the home hemodialysis patients. Conclusion:  Since the number of participants in this study was low, it is necessary to include more patients in a future study in order to verify the results.