Santo Ildefonso, Portugal
We developed a descriptive exploratory study, a sample of 150 patients on chronic hemodialysis, 62% men, and average age 52.7 years and most for more than a year in such treatment. There were statistically significant correlations (p <0.05) between acceptance of illness and variables: gender, educational background, professional group, professional status, economic status and distance from the treatment site. Overall, our results lead us to understanding the importance of interpersonal factors and hemodialysis how permit or not, dealing with the problems positively. In experiencing their illness and treatment, the individual is faced with existential problems and need to find solutions to alleviate the suffering, redefining goals and finding a new meaning to your life, which is, accepting his new status as a man‘s disease.