In the Environmental Domain, the sociodemographics that were moderately correlated were marital status (V = .362) and occupational status (rpb = .321). These two factors had a stronger relationship to environmental quality of life (QoL) compared to the other variables, which showed only weak correlations.
Marital status affected the Environmental Domain because having a spouse often provided emotional, financial, and practical support—such as assistance with transportation to dialysis, navigating the healthcare system, and maintaining a safe, stable home environment. Married patients tended to have better access to resources that improve environmental QoL, while single, divorced, or widowed individuals sometimes struggled with these supports, impacting their living conditions and access to care. Occupational status also influenced the Environmental Domain significantly. Employed patients benefited from better financial stability, allowing them to afford safer housing, better transportation, and necessary healthcare services. On the other hand, unemployed patients often faced financial hardships, limiting their environmental supports and worsening their ability to maintain a healthy and stable living situation.
Thus, marital and employment statuses moderately affected how CKD patients experienced their environment, while other factors like age, sex, education, income, and comorbidities had only weak effects.
General Environment
It encompasses all the physical, chemical, and biological factors external to a person, and all related behaviors (WHO, 2018). Specifically, it refers to the air quality, noise, and cleanliness in the surroundings.
1. Keep your living space clean and clutter-free to create a calm, safe environment.
A tidy living area promotes mental clarity and reduces the risk of accidents
(NANDA International, 2021).
2. Ensure proper ventilation and sunlight in your home to reduce indoor pollution and improve mood.
Natural light and ventilation support mental well-being and reduce stress
(NANDA International, 2021).
3. Incorporate plants or calming decorations to improve emotional well-being and provide a sense of tranquility.
Aesthetically pleasing surroundings help reduce stress and enhance mood
(NANDA International, 2021).
Marital Status-Based: Married
1. Work together with your spouse to organize your living space, ensuring it’s comfortable and accessible for both.
Joint home management fosters teamwork and strengthens relationships.
(Choosing Dialysis: Which Type Is Right for Me?, 2022).
2. Designate areas of the home for relaxation, such as reading corners or quiet zones.
A designated relaxation area helps reduce stress and enhances bonding
(NANDA International, 2021).
3. Engage in shared home improvement projects, like redecorating or organizing together.
Collaborative projects enhance emotional connection and create a positive living environment.
(Choosing Dialysis: Which Type Is Right for Me?, 2022).
Marital Status-Based: Widowed
1. Create memorial spaces with photos or personal items that honor your spouse while offering comfort.
Memorializing loved ones helps in the grieving process and offers emotional healing.
(Choosing Dialysis: Which Type Is Right for Me?, 2022).
2. Redesign your living area to reflect both comfort and healing, such as adding plants or cozy elements.
A supportive home environment promotes emotional resilience
(Bracamonte, 2024).
3. Consider living arrangements close to supportive family or community networks for both practical and emotional support.
Being near loved ones helps reduce isolation and improve overall health.
(Choosing Dialysis: Which Type Is Right for Me?, 2022).
Marital Status-Based: Separated
1. Rearrange your home to reflect a new phase in life, including creating peaceful spaces for reflection and healing.
Home reorganization can be therapeutic during major life changes (Bracamonte, 2024).
2. Utilize available space for activities that promote mental health, such as hobbies or relaxation zones.
Creating dedicated areas for self-care supports emotional well-being (Bracamonte, 2024).
3. Opt for cozy, calming décor and lighting that fosters a peaceful home atmosphere.
A calming environment supports emotional recovery after separation (NANDA International, 2021).
Marital Status-Based: Single
1. Invest in a multi-functional, space-efficient living arrangement that meets both comfort and health needs.
Practical home setups enhance self-sufficiency and comfort (Bracamonte, 2024).
2. Create a relaxing space that reflects your personal style to enhance your sense of identity and well-being.
Personal spaces help you feel grounded and reduce anxiety.
(Choosing Dialysis: Which Type Is Right for Me?, 2022).
3. Consider renting a space with access to outdoor areas or green spaces for stress relief.
Proximity to nature reduces stress and enhances mood (Bracamonte, 2024).
Occupational Status-Based: Unemployed
1. Create a flexible daily routine that includes time for both productive and recreational activities.
A balanced routine improves mental and physical health (Scube, 2024).
2. Transform a part of your living space into a productive hobby area, such as a crafting table or reading nook.
Engaging in productive hobbies boosts self-worth and mental health (Scube, 2024).
3. If possible, participate in online job readiness programs to boost confidence and stay mentally active.
Job readiness programs provide structure and skill-building during unemployment (Scube, 2024).
Occupational Status-Based: Employed
1. Set up a home office space that supports both work and dialysis rest time, including an ergonomic chair.
An ergonomic setup prevents strain and improves comfort during both work and dialysis.
(Sipos, 2025).
2. Organize your home environment to include a quiet workspace and relaxation space for post-work recovery.
Balancing work and recovery spaces promotes mental well-being and productivity.
(Sipos, 2025).
3. Declutter your workspace regularly to maintain focus and reduce stress.
A clean, organized environment improves efficiency and reduces distractions.
(Sipos, 2025).
References
NANDA International. (2021). NANDA Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions and Classification, 16th Edition. Choosing Dialysis: Which type is right for me? (2022). National Kidney Foundation. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/choosing-dialysis-which-type-right-me Bracamonte, H. (2024, March 29). Setting up Your Home Dialysis Unit without Feeling like You’re Living in an ICU: Tackling the Storage Problem. Dialysis Patient Citizens Education Center. https://www.dpcedcenter.org/news-events/news/setting-up-your-home-dialysis-unit-without-feeling-like-youre-living-in-an-icu-tackling-the-storage-problem/ Scube. (2024, December 31). How to set an ergonomic Work-From-Home setup that works for you? S Cube Ergonomics | Ergonomic Office Furniture Solutions. https://www.scube-ergo.com/blog/how-to-set-an-ergonomic-work-from-home-setup Sipos, M. (2025, March 11). How to create a flexible daily routine to boost your productivity and well-being. Medium. https://martonsipos.medium.com/how-to-create-a-flexible-daily-routine-to-boost-your-productivity-and-well-being-2965ffaf2303
