Coping and Quality of Life among Indonesians Undergoing Hemodialysis

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to examine the relationships between coping and the quality of life among Indonesians undergoing hemodialysis. Ninety-one Indonesians undergoing hemodialysis were recruited purposively from three hemodialysis units in Bandung, Indonesia. Subjects were asked to complete the Jalowiec Coping Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief. Findings revealed a negative relationship between the subjects’ affective focus coping scores and quality of life scores. No significant association was found between the quality of life scores and either the problem-solving focus scores or the total coping scores. The findings support the notion that using affective focus coping might have a negative effect on quality of life when used for long periods and the problem is not resolved. Nurses regularly should assess the coping strategies of individuals undergoing hemodialysis and facilitate their appropriate coping strategies.