Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

5-2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Rehabilitation Counseling

First Advisor

Dr. Jerome Fischer

Second Advisor

Dr. Bruce Reed

Third Advisor

Dr. Ralph Carlson

Abstract

This dissertation study explored the relationship between quality of life (QoL) and dialysis compliance with family support, spirituality, age, gender, and socioeconomic status (SES) among people with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Utilizing the Biopsychosocial Spiritual Framework, this study pursued to inform mental health professionals working with people undergoing dialysis about the factors that influence QoL and dialysis compliance. This descriptive quantitative dissertation study included 79 participants who self-identified as persons receiving either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Participants were members from closed social online forums and the National Kidney Foundation.

The current study found that family support and SES predicted overall QoL. Another outcome of this study revealed that low SES predicted dialysis compliance. The astounding results indicated that participants who reported low SES reported higher dialysis compliance. The implications of this study suggest that more attention should be placed in assisting patients that do not qualify for medical assistance due to income nevertheless cannot afford dialysis as indicated by nephrologists. This study was necessary to explain the impact that family support has on the overall QoL for people undergoing dialysis due to ESRD. Further research is recommended to design appropriate educational programs to improve QoL for patients by encouraging their adherence to treatment regimens. Also, this study suggests to explore specific factors that facilitate help and support such as family medical leave and how this relates to the overall quality of life among people undergoing dialysis. This study provides a foundation to continue examining how psychosocial and spiritual predictors affect the QoL of people undergoing dialysis due to ESRD.

Comments

Copyright 2020 Viviana Garcia Guerra. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/factors-associated-with-quality-life-dialysis/docview/2423110419/se-2?accountid=7119

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