The Effect of Symptom Severity on Life Satisfaction and Happiness in Patients Receiving Chronic Hemodialysis Treatment: Descriptive and Cross‐Sectional Research

ABSTRACT Introduction It is known that patients receiving HD treatment experience many symptoms alone or in combination, negatively affecting their life satisfaction and happiness levels. This study was conducted to determine the effect of symptom severity on life satisfaction and happiness in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis treatment. Method A descriptive and cross‐sectional study was conducted between April and May 2023 with 239 patients receiving treatment in four hemodialysis centers in a province in northeastern Turkey. The data were collected by face‐to‐face interview technique using the “Descriptive Information Form,” “Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI),” “Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS),” and “Happiness Scale (HS).” Results A statistically significant difference was found between gender, exercise status, and the presence of secondary disease and HS and DSI ( p < 0.05). At the same time, a significant difference was found between marital status and the SWLS and HS and between income level and smoking status and the SWLS ( p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between DSI and SWLS and HS, and DSI had a predictive effect on life satisfaction and happiness scale (, ). Conclusion Symptom severity was below moderate, life satisfaction was reasonable, and happiness level was above average in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis treatment. A comprehensive assessment of multiple symptoms and effective symptom management is recommended in patients receiving hemodialysis.