An Investigation Into the Impact of Orem’s Self-Care Program on Life Satisfaction in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Background: The life satisfaction of hemodialysis patients is correlated with their adherence to medical regimens and favorable health outcomes. Non-compliance is prevalent among these patients, and traditional training programs have not been adequate in achieving desirable results. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the effectiveness of a new self-care program, based on Orem’s model, in life satisfaction of hemodialysis patients. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted in 59 patients. The subjects were undergoing hemodialysis and had referred to the Zabol Special Diseases Center (2017 - 2018). After the subjects were chosen via convenience sampling and their qualification was ensured, they were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Data were gathered by means of a demographic questionnaire, a researcher-made inventory on self-care behaviors of hemodialysis patients based on Orem’s model (meant to identify self-care needs), and Diener’s satisfaction with life scale (SWLS). The questionnaires were filled out before and after the intervention. SPSS 22 was used to analyze the collected data. The statistical tests included independent t-test, paired t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher’s exact test, and chi-square test. Results: According to the independent t-test, there was no significant difference in the mean score of life satisfaction between the two groups before the intervention. However, after the intervention, the mean score of life satisfaction in the intervention group increased significantly from 16.12 to 41.18. This change was determined based on Cohen’s kappa coefficient of 25.2 (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The Orem-based self-care program could be effective in improving the life satisfaction of hemodialysis patients by enhancing self-care capacity, encouraging medical compliance, and reducing the dependency of these individuals. This program, being developed based on educational needs and the requirements of scientific methods, is proposed as a nursing intervention among these patients.