[Effect of family environment on adaptation to the hemodialysis program in patients with chronic renal insufficiency].

Abstract

In our study we have analyzed the influence of family environment on adjustment of renal patients to the HD as well as on the attitude towards kidney transplantation. The study included 57 patients (34 M, 23 F), mean age 52.3 years, and they had been on dialysis for an average of 34.5 months. We obtained information about adaptation and behavior in the care unit, and attitude and motivation towards renal transplantation. Biochemical variables were used to register disruption of medical compliance or dietetic transgression (K, PRC, BUN, weight gain, etc.). The patient's family climate was assessed through use of the Family Environment Scale (FES, Moos and Moos, 1981). The results showed that patients with aggressiveness and noncompliance during HD sessions tended to have high family conflict in family members. The most positive attitudes towards renal transplantation were found in the patients that came from families with the greatest degree of cohesion and expressiveness. In summary, family social climate is a variable influencing outcome of these patients. Its routine assessment would permit the prediction of adaptation to the therapeutic program as much as better efficacy of HD treatment.