PREDICTORS OF SURVIVAL AMONG HEMODIALYSIS-PATIENTS - EFFECT OF PERCEIVED FAMILY SUPPORT

The authors examined the role of perceived family support and symptoms of depression as predictors of survival in a sample of 78 in-center h emodialysis patients. Cox regression analysis revealed significant eff ects for family support (p < .005), blood urea nitrogen (p < .01), and age (p < .005). The effect for depression was not significant. The Co x model indicated that a 1-point increase on the family support measur e was associated with a 13% reduction in the hazard rate (i.e., mortal ity). Estimated 5-year mortality rates among low family support patien ts were approximately 3 times higher than estimated mortality for high support patients. Differences in patient adherence to the dietary and medication regimens failed to explain the significant effect of famil y support.