Social support, religiosity, and quality of life among haemodialysis patients in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia

BackgroundChronic kidney disease patients on haemodialysis (HD) experience negative consequences in the quality of life (QOL), which is affected by factors such as perceived social support and spirituality/religiosity. The purpose of the study was to assess perceived social support, religiosity, and QOL among HD patients in Aseer, Saudi Arabia.ResultsA total of 162 HD patients were included in the study. Patient ages ranged from 18 to 64 years with mean age 44.6 +/- 11.9. Duration of HD was <5 years among 41.4% of patients, and >= 10 years in 21%. Perceived social support was high among 79.6% of patients. Religiosity score ranged from 26 to 52 (out of 65) with mean score 36.6 +/- 5.2. There was a significant correlation between perceived social support, religiosity, and the life satisfaction domain of QOL (P<0.05).ConclusionsHigh perceived social support alongside high religiosity had a significant effect on patients' life satisfaction domain of health-related QOL (HRQOL). Therefore, social support and religiosity assessment are important in HD patient care. Further studies should assess the benefit of religious/spiritual counselling as part of a holistic multi-disciplinary approach.