Effectiveness of Self-Care Training Program based on Empowerment Model on Quality of Life among Hemodialysis Patients in the City of Sari, Iran

Background: The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of self-care training program based on empowerment model on quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis in the city of Sari, Iran. Materials and Methods: This experimental research had a pre-test/post-test control group design. The study sample included 60 hemodialysis patients at Hazrat Fatemeh Zahra (SA) Hospital in the city of Sari selected by random sampling method and assigned to two groups: experimental and control. To collect the data and examine the quality of life among patients receiving hemodialysis, a demographic questionnaire and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF 1.3) were applied. The intervention program of self-care skills training based on empowerment model was administered on the experimental group in 12 sessions; each one lasting 30-45 minutes. Two months after the final session, the form was recompleted and the data were analyzed using SPSS Version 22. Results: The results showed that self-care training program could improve the aspects of quality of life (general health, physical functioning, emotional role-playing, social functioning, mental health, employment status, sexuality, and family satisfaction) and also a significant difference was observed in the scores of the aspects of quality of life among hemodialysis patients before and after the given intervention. Conclusions: The self-care skills training program based on empowerment model had an effect on quality of life among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Therefore, using this method in hemodialysis centers could prevent or reduce problems among patients with hemodialysis and improve their quality of life.