Social support as the role of social worker in work with dialysed clients

The quality of life of individuals with chronic illness is strongly influenced by anticipated social support. In this regard we wanted to know how social support is reflected (perceived) in dialysis patients. The aim of the study was to measure the level of perceived social support in patients undergoing dialysis treatment. We utilized a quantitative research strategy using a standardized social support questionnaire - MOS. The respondents of the survey were clients of dialysis centres in Slovakia undergoing dialysis or peritoneal dialysis and willing to participate in our research. The results showed statistically significant difference in the perception of social support depending on the status of cohabitation. We did not find any significant difference relating to the type of dialysis treatment, its duration, age of respondents, involvement in self-help groups and the use of social services and compensations. The results show that the family acts as the key factor of providing social support and that family support is of the utmost importance for clients who undergo dialysis treatment. The study also contains recommendations for social work.