The role, place and psychosocial impact of the dialysis patient in the family

Introduction. Chronic kidney disease is a major public health problem, and hemodialysis treatment produces im­portant physical, psychological and social changes. Beyond the medical implications, dialysis patients frequently ex­pe­rience difficulties in professional adaptation, changes in family roles and emotional imbalance. Materials and method. The present study is a quantitative, descriptive and analytical research based on a questionnaire applied to a group of 70 patients undergoing hemodialysis in spe­cia­lized centers in Romania. The questionnaire evaluated the impact of dialysis on professional activity, family life and psychosocial functioning. Results. Most respondents reported a significant decrease in work capacity, reduced professional performance and uncertainty regarding their professional future. Patients also highlighted important changes in family relationships, increased dependence on family members and the presence of anxiety, social isolation and decreased self-esteem. Conclusions. Hemodialysis has a significant psychosocial impact on patients, influencing professional life, family relationships and emotional ba­lance. Family support, the involvement of the family phy­si­cian and multidisciplinary intervention contribute sig­ni­fi­cantly to patient adaptation, therapeutic compliance and improvement of quality of life.