The effectiveness of self-management program on quality of life among haemodialysis patients

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the chronic disease self-management program on empowering haemodialysis patients and their quality of life (QoL). A before and after interventional approach with no control group was designed. Based on convenience sampling, 53 patients were selected with respect to the inclusion criteria. First, the information required for evaluating the QoL of patients was collected using kidney disease quality of life instrument. Next, the self-management program was implemented. Three months later, the effects of the intervention were assessed using the same questionnaire. Results indicated that the average of total scores of QoL (general and specific domains) increased after the intervention (P = 0.000). The relationships between the QoL scores and socio-demographic characteristics were not statistically significant. Moreover, it was found that the intervention had no effect on cognitive abilities, social interactions, and sexual performance (P > 0.05). This article outlined an organized approach for applying project management principles to quality improvement in health system. The program will be useful if it is accompanied by other therapeutic and welfare actions and comprehensive supports of public and private charity organizations.

Keywords:

• Chronic renal diseases
• Quality of life
• Dialysis
• Self-care

Acknowledgements

We are especially grateful to Dr Shafiei, Mr Jafari, Mrs Seif Ahmadi, facilitators, participants, and dialysis staff of Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Maragheh-Iran. We also really appreciate deputy of research and technology for their valuable supports.

Disclaimer statements

Contributors Dr Matlabi (PhD, The University of Sheffield, 2010) is an assistant professor of the Department of Health Education and Promotion at the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. His research focuses on quality of life, group dynamics, management of care settings, elderly health, and instructional media & technologies for learning. He spent his career implementing and valuating health promotion projects in the local community. This contradiction between training and practice has informed him on why promoting health is possible, but difficult. Mrs Ahmadzadeh is Master of Science student in health promotion. She has been working at haemodialysis centre in Maragheh since 2005. Dr Allahverdipour is a Professor of the Department of Health Education and Promotion. Dr Khodaei Ashan is an assistant professor of Biostatistics.

Funding This study was financed by a grant from the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (5/53/3166-2014/08/28).

Conflicts of interest The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper.

Ethics approval None.

ORCID

Sharareh Ahmadzadeh http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5858-3198

Hossein Matlabi http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3090-3214

Hamid Allahverdipour http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3700-6185