The Effect of Fordyce Happiness Training on Life Expectancy and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients: An Intervention Study in Yazd, Iran

Abstract

Background: Dialysis patients frequently experience issues such as fear, reduced social activity, and hopelessness due to lifestyle changes and treatment requirements. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of Fordyce happiness training on quality of life and life expectancy in hemodialysis patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental intervention study involved 48 hemodialysis patients who were referred to Shahid Rahnemoun Hospital in Yazd, Iran, and selected through simple random sampling. Data collection tools included the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire for Kidney Patients (KDQOL-36) and the Miller Life Examination Questionnaire. Patients participated in ten 60-minute training sessions, held twice weekly. Data were collected at baseline and one month after the intervention and analyzed using SPSS 21 software. Results: Following Fordyce's happiness training, levels of potassium (K), creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in patients significantly decreased. Before the intervention, the mean scores for quality of life and life expectancy in dialysis patients were 51.9 ±28.27 and 169.75 ±11.95, respectively, which increased to 64.66 ±27.17 and 179.95 ±9.37 after the intervention. Paired t-test results indicated that Fordyce happiness training had a statistically significant positive effect on patients' quality of life (P < 0.05) and life expectancy (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The Fordyce happiness training program can improve quality of life and life expectancy in dialysis patients. In other words, happiness training may serve as a preventive strategy against mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and life dissatisfaction in dialysis patients.