Introduction: It has been reported that the burden of disease increases the risk of stress, psychosocial disorders and addiction in daily life in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In this study, it was aimed to determine the daily life activities and hopelessness levels of patients with ESRD who received hemodialysis (HD) treatment, as well as to evaluate the factors affecting hopelessness.

Material and Methods: A total of 130 HD patients (male / female: 72/58, mean age 59.48±14.58 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients were evaluated with the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and Barthel Activity of Daily Living (BADL) scale. Clinical data were obtained from hospital records.

Results: According to the BADL scale 60.2% were dependent (moderate / severe 58.5%, fully dependent 2.3%). BADL scores were higher in the elderly group (p<0.001). BHS scores of all patients were 6.78±4.84, no significant difference was found according to gender and age (p=0.268, p=0.756, respectively). There was a negative correlation between BADL and BHS (r=-0.216, p=0.014).

Discussion: It has been reported that the burden of disease increases the risk of stress and psychosocial disorders in ESRD patients. In this study, we found that the levels of addiction and hopelessness were high in HD patients, and that both were associated with each other. There is a need for hope-enhancing interventions to improve general well-being and maintain independence in HD patients.