SOCIAL SUPPORT IN PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY FAILURE IN BABAHOYO, LOS RÍOS PROVINCE

Abstract

Chronic kidney failure constitutes one of the health problems with the highest growth rate in Ecuador, which significantly affects the quality of life of patients. During the learning process on how to live with this type of disease, social support as a multidimensional construct has proven to be a valuable resource, especially due to its relationship with the adherence process. The objective of the research was to identify the types and levels of social support perceived in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis treatment. The research by its scope was descriptive with a non-experimental design, without manipulation of variables and cross-sectional, which raised information in a single moment. The study considered a convenience sample of 45 patients, to whom the Mos social support questionnaire was applied, which evaluates this construct from the emotional, instrumental, affective and social interaction dimensions. Among its main results, the dimension social emotional support was found, at the highest maximum level of 97.8%, compared to the other types. The importance of this study relies on how to soften lifestyle changes and help patients to live with them, as it effectively adheres to treatment.