Evaluation of Hemodialysis Patients in Terms of Activities of Daily Living, Disability, Depression and Comorbidity

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the hemodialysis patients in terms of activities of daily living (ADLs), disability, depression and comorbidity. MATERIAL and METHODS: The population of this cross-sectional study included 220 patients undergoing treatment at a dialysis center between June-August 2016. The study sample however was comprised of 144 patients who were 50 years old and above, had been undergoing hemodialysis treatment for at least six months and who agreed to participate in the research. The data was collected using the Patient Identification Form, the Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale, Lawton and Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale, Brief Disability Questionnaire, Charlson Comorbidity Score and Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: The patients were divided into two groups: the 50-64 years age group and the 65-plus age group. The patients in the first group were found to have an Activities of Daily Living Scale score of 17.28 ±1.45, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale score of 19.98± 3.02, and a Brief Disability Questionnaire score of 7.42 ± 3.99 whereas the patients in the second group were found to have score of 15.73± 2.53, 17.29±3.43 and 10.7 ± 4.18 respectively. CONCLUSION: Hemodialysis and age progression leads to dependency of patients at varying levels while they maintain their activities of daily living.