Women and Chronic Renal Failure: Some Neglected Issues

Authors

Nancy G. Kutner, Emory University
Heather L. Gray, Emory University

Abstract

It has been assumed until recently that chronic renal failure is more prevalent among men than among women, but data now indicate that at least half of all renal patients are women. The literature continues to focus on adjustment problems of male patients, especially sexual adjustment and job-loss problems, and to assume that women can adjust more easily because of their ability to maintain the homemaker role. However, women patients whose work status is that of homemaker are found to have the highest depression scores, and job loss results in low satisfaction for those who have held meaningful outside jobs. Women patients are not necessarily more satisfied with their sexual life than are men patients. Questions can also be raised about women patients' access to treatment alternatives associated with optimal patient outcomes.

Recommended Citation

Kutner, Nancy G. and Gray, Heather L. (1981) "Women and Chronic Renal Failure: Some Neglected Issues," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 8: Iss. 2, Article 8.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1461
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol8/iss2/8