الفهرس 
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Abstract
Background: Hemodialysis results in significant change in daily living, physical and psychological impairments, dependence on caregivers, disruption of marital, family, and social life, disruption in work schedule and reduced or loss of financial income. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) assessment helps to plan individual treatment strategies, determine the efficacy and quality of medical and social care provided.
Aim of the study: To assess HRQOL of hemodialysis patients attending El-Minia University Hospital dialysis unit, determine the relation between HRQOL and some sociodemograghic factors and clinical disorders and compare HRQOL between patients performing hemdialysis for less than and more than five years.
Research hypothesis: HRQOL of hemodialysis patients is markedly impaired in both physical and mental aspects. HRQOL is affected by sociodemographic characteristics and some clinical disorders of hemodialysis patients.
Subject and methods: The study is a cross sectional, hospital based study. The target hemodialysis patients who successfully agreed to be interviewed and participate in the study were 170 while 4 (2%) subjects refused. Data were collected by a questionnaire which included, demographic, social and medical data. Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 (KDQOL-36) health survey was used for assessment of HRQOL.
Results: About two thirds (64%) of the studied hemodialysis patients had physical and mental QOL scores below average level. HRQOL was lower in old, female, married, illiterate and non worker hemodialysis patients. Hepatitis C positive, diabetic and anemic patients had decreased QOL scores. Longer duration of hemodialysis treatment associated with reduced physical QOL.
Conclusion: HRQOL of hemodialysis patients is impaired. The most important sociodemographic factors affecting HRQOL were age, sex, education, occupation and marital status. The most important clinical disorders affecting QOL were anemia, HCV infection, sleep disturbances and diabetes.
Recommendations: Increase awareness of hemodialysis patients and their caregivers about disabilities associated with hemodialysis treatment and educational programs to decrease the problems which face the patients. The health team should increase their knowledge, skills and efforts to improve QOL of hemodialysis patients through psychosocial and medical interventions.
Key words: Hemodialysis patients, quality of life, El-Minia University Hospital, Kidney Disease Quality of Life-36 health survey, end stage renal disease.