Social Support as a Mediator between Psychological Maladjustment and Quality of Life among Patients with Hemodialysis

Abstract

Background: Renal issues are highly devastating and can significantly impact health, particularly in developing nations like Pakistan. Objectives: To assess the relationship between psychological maladjustment, social support, and quality of life among patients on hemodialysis.  Methods: Correlational research design was used to assess the relationship between the variables. The sample comprised N= 60 hemodialysis patients including (male=32, female=28) with an age range from 28 to 71 years. Informed consents were taken and confidentiality of the responses were ensured. The data were elicited through reliable and valid research instruments. Furthermore, data were analyzed using SPSS-23 and AMOS-19.  Results: The mean age of the participants was 48+3.1 years. Psychological maladjustment negatively correlated (p<.05) with patients’ quality of life and social support. Further, path analysis through structure equational modeling revealed that social support mediated the association between psychological maladjustment and quality of life (χ2/df=1.08, p<.05, CFI=.94, GFI=.93). However, the quality of life in the mediational model appeared to be statistically significantly influenced by the covariates.  Conclusion: Research highlights the adaptive functions of social support as a defensive mechanism to improve the patient’s quality of life and the need to incorporate the belief in developing culturally sensitive intervention programs to enhance the social support and quality of life with hemodialysis patients.