Effect of an Educational Program about Self-care Practices on Quality of Life among Patients undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis

Abstract

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis often face complex health challenges thatprofoundly affect their overall quality of life. The chronic nature of end stage renal diseasecoupled with the demanding routine of dialysis necessitate effective educational programs topromote self-care practices. Promoting self-care practices empowers patients, fasters autonomy,and improves health outcomes. Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of an educationalprogram about self-care practices on quality of life among patients undergoing maintenancehemodialysis. Settings: The present study was conducted in the hemodialysis unit affiliated withEl Mouwasat Hospital, Alexandria University. Subjects: A convenience sample of 114 adults, onmaintenance hemodialysis was included in the study. The sample was divided into two equalgroups (57 patients in each group). Tools: Four tools were used to collect necessary data. ToolI: Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients' Knowledge related to self-care practices StructuredInterview Schedule. Tool II: Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients' Self-Care PracticesObservational Checklist. Tool III: Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living Scale. ToolIV: World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF Assessment Questionnaire. Results: Thestudy showed significant improvement in self-care practices within the study group.Furthermore, the study groups exhibited a significantly higher level of quality of life.Conclusion: The educational program for patients on maintenance hemodialysis showed apositive result in relation to levels of knowledge, self-care practices, and improved overallquality of life. Recommendations: The adapted colored illustrated educational booklet should beavailable and distributed to each maintenance hemodialysis patients.