Self-evaluation in dialysis patients

The aim of this study is to present the results of a self-reported evaluation of the psychoemotional status by dialysis patients. The level of self-esteem influences the emotions felt, both positive and negative, which in turn may determine the adherence to treatment instructions, and which certainly is reflected in the somatic condition.

The study was a randomized controlled trial using a sample of 102 fully informed and consenting patients with end-stage renal disease and 102 people from the general population. The survey instrument used was a Self-Esteem Inventory.

The results show that there were differences between the dialysis patients and the general population concerning Physical Self-Esteem and Acting/Task Self-Esteem. The patients scored significantly lower than the healthy subjects lower on both subscales. No differences were noted between the two groups of subjects regarding of Social Self-Esteem and Emotional Self-Esteem. The results also show that the level of self-esteem in dialyzed patients under the age 50 years was higher than in those above 50 regarding the sociability, sense of humor, memory, and the sense of being accepted by others.

We conclude that there are differences in the self-reported level of self-esteem between dialyzed patients and the general population. The patients' age also factors in the self-reported assessment.