The evaluation of the level of hope of elderly chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the level of hope of elderly chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis, using the Herth Hope Scale (HHS). This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed at a Renal Replacement Therapy Unit located in upstate Sao Paulo. The sample consisted of 50 elderly patients currently undergoing hemodialysis treatment. After obtaining the participants' consent to participate, individual interviews were performed with the elderly individuals, utilizing a characterization instrument and the Herth Hope Scale. All of the ethical premises were complied with (protocol 512/2009). Regarding the results, most participants were male (60%) and their mean age was 70.20 (+/- 6.1) years. The mean score on the Herth Hope Scale was 36.20 (+/- 2.90). In conclusion, compared with the Brazilian study regarding the validation of the Herth Hope Scale, the subjects' level of hope was lower, thus indicating a need to intervene regarding this feeling.