OBJECTIVES: To categorize adults and elderly people in hemodialysis treatment residing in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. To evaluate and describe the differences in the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL)of these patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional and population study with 194 patients in hemodialysis in four dialyses services in the city. The instruments used were: Mini Exam of Mental State to characterize the population and Kidney Disease and Quality of Life-Short Form (KDQOL-SF TM). RESULTS: There were 132 adults and 62 elderly individuals in the study. Differences between the two groups' average scores were found with statistical significance in the KDQOL-SF TM dimensions: physical functioning, role-physical, role-emotional, Burden of kidney disease and dialysis staff encouragement. CONCLUSION: Chronic renal failure and hemodialysis are related to the HRQOL of adults and elders. The results can support the health professionals' actions in providing the care to the patients' imminent needs, prevent complications and aim at a better HRQOL.
Quality of life; Renal dialysis; Renal insufficiency, chronic; Health of the elderly; Aged
