Effects of Body Image and Symptom Experience on Quality of Life in Patients with Hemodialysis

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of hemodialysis patients' body image and symptom experience on their quality of life. The data was targeted at patients who were diagnosed with end-stage renal failure at a tertiary general hospital located in J province and receiving regular hemodialysis treatment. The data collection period was from July 20, 2023 to August 11, 2023, and 160 structured questionnaires were distributed, of which 153 were used in the final analysis. Data were analyzed using t-test, One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis with the SPSS 28.0 program. Through multiple regression analysis, the factors influencing quality of life were body image (β=.46, p<.001), having an average monthly household income (over 3 million won)(β=.22, p=.002), and symptom experience (β=-.20, p=.001). The combined explanatory power for quality of life was determined to be 47%. It is necessary to accurately assess and intervene, develop educational programs and integrated management programs that reduce symptom experience and improve body image, and establish work standard guidelines.