# Hygiene behaviours and protective attitudes in haemodialysis patients during COVID-19: impact on quality of life

## TL;DR

This study examines how haemodialysis patients' hygiene behaviors during the pandemic affected their quality of life.

## Contribution

The study identifies demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing hygiene adherence and its impact on well-being.

## Key findings

- Female patients and younger individuals showed higher adherence to hygiene practices.
- Higher income was linked to better compliance with social distancing and shopping hygiene.
- Excessive hygiene behaviors were negatively correlated with quality of life.

## Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of hygiene, particularly among high-risk populations such as haemodialysis patients. Maintaining strict hygiene and infection-control measures is therefore vital for this group. However, excessive hygiene routines may also affect patients’ daily lives and overall well-being. In this study aims to determine the personal protective attitudes of hemodialysis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of increased hygiene behaviors on quality of life.

A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and January 2022 in three dialysis centres across Türkiye with 383 adult haemodialysis patients. Data were collected face-to-face interviews using the COVID-19 Hygiene Scale and the COVID-19 Impact on Quality of Life Scale. Statistical analyses included Chi-square, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U, and Pearson correlation tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Female patients scored significantly higher than males in “changed hygiene behaviours”, “home hygiene”, and “hygiene after returning home”. Participants younger than 65 years showed greater adherence to hygiene practices after returning home. Higher income levels were associated with better compliance with “social distancing and mask use” and “shopping hygiene”. There was a negative correlation between the quality of life scale and hygiene behaviors.

Haemodialysis patients demonstrated strong adherence to hygiene measures during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, excessive hygiene behaviours were negatively associated with quality of life. These findings highlight the importance of adopting balanced, patient-centred infection-control strategies that support both behavioural adherence and overall well-being.

Not applicable.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12882-026-04768-6.