Effects of a Mindfulness-based Intervention in Stress, Pain and Quality of Life in People Undergoing Hemodialysis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considered a global public health problem, which affects approximately 10% of the world population. Due to partial or total loss of kidney function, the patient needs renal replacement therapy, with hemodialysis (HD) being the therapy most used, having a prevalence of up to 93.1% in Brazil. The restrictions imposed by CKD and the treatment of prolonged HD negatively affect health, increasing stress and decreasing the quality of life (QoL). The restrictions imposed by CKD and the treatment of prolonged HD negatively affect health, increasing stress and decreasing the QoL. Hemodialysis supports life and relieves a series of symptoms; however, it imposes many limitations. Social, financial and family stressors are numerous when dealing with the symptoms of the disease, restrictions and treatment prescriptions. Research shows positive results from Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) in reducing symptoms of different chronic diseases and mental and physical disorders such as: depression, anxiety, hypertension, cancer, chronic pain, cardiovascular diseases, insomnia, addictive behaviors, and kidney disease, and in improving medication adherence. This is an incipient field of research at the international level and almost nonexistent in Brazil. Evidence indicates the need for MBIs to be performed during HD sessions, adapted to the context, to facilitate patient compliance, contribute to the management of the discomfort generated during HD and promote health. This project has as main objectives to develop and evaluate the effects of a mindfulness-based intervention in the reduction of stressors, pain and quality of life of people undergoing hemodialysis. For this purpose, a randomized controlled pragmatic study with random allocation and blinding of the outcome evaluator will be performed, using quantitative and qualitative measures evaluated within 6 months after the intervention. The results of this research could form a consistent basis for a new and promising field of research that could contribute to improving the health of people undergoing hemodialysis and other populations that need long-term hospital care.