Perceived social support is a partial mediator of the relationship between depressive symptoms and quality of life in patients receiving hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND The meaning of social support is well documented, but less is known about mediating characteristics that examine which patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and depressive symptoms are most likely to benefit. AIMS The aim of this study was to examine whether perceived social support mediated depressive symptoms on the outcome of quality of life (QoL). DESIGN A correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sampling of 190 patients with ESRD. RESULTS There was partial mediation effect of social support on depressive symptoms in the prediction of QoL. CONCLUSION Effective management of depressive symptoms will improve QoL mostly when social support is promoted in patients with ESRD receiving hemodialysis.