Effect of Self-Care Education by Face-to-Face Method on the Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients (Relying on Ferrans and Powers Questionnaire)

INTRODUTION: One of the most common methods to control chronic renal failure, Hemodialysis creates numerous changes in the style and the quality of life in patients. Educating patients is one of effective factors to improve the quality of life. The present study aims to investigate influences of self-care education by face-to-face method on determining quality of life in hemodialysis patients in Jahrom, Iran, during 2014-2015.

METHODS: This is a quasi-experimental, single-blind study in which 50 patients undergoing hemodialysis at Shahaid Mottahari Hospital, Jahrom. The patients were placed in two groups of 25 individuals: the face to face educational group and the control group. The control group received only routine care in hemodialysis unit. The face to face educational group received 8 instruction sessions of 60 minutes before starting dialysis and received an instruction booklet. Data collection tools were a questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics, a checklist of needs assessment for hemodialysis patients and a quality of life questionnaire, whose reliability and validity were previously approved. The questionnaires were completed face to face, before and after the intervention.

RESULTS: The results show that the research units did not have any significant difference in terms of demographic variables. Also increase in various aspects of the quality of life compared with the control group is observed after the intervention in the face to face educational group (p<0.001).

DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION: Given the results, representation of adequate training in hemodialysis ward can cause improve in physical function, mental health and thus increase the quality of life in hemodialysis patients, through raising the awareness level.