The Effect of Dignity Therapy on Human Dignity in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis

Background: Chronic renal failure is a life-threatening condition; patients due to the prolonged stress are very susceptible to mental health problems. Dignity therapy is a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of psychological problems for patients who suffer from life-threatening illnesses. Aim: This study examined the impact of dignity therapy on human dignity in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: This is a two-group experimental research with pre and post tests design, which was conducted on selected hospitals of Mashhad in 139. From 74 patients recruited for the study; 36 patients of even days were assigned in intervention group and 38 patients of the odd days were assigned to be the control group. In the intervention group, during the hemodialysis, dignity therapy has been performed in 3-4 sessions. Human dignity was examined before and one month after the intervention by Patient Dignity Inventory, and collected data were analyzed by using statistical tests. Results: The mean age of subjects in this study was 49.0±12.8 years (20-70 years) .The most of patient were married (44.6%) and had primary education (81.1%). Results showed the mean scores of Human dignity in intervention group in the pretest (47.2±15.3), and posttest (40.4±18.35), were significantly different (P=0.001), while this change in control group did not reach statistical significance (P=0.572) Conclusion: By planning and performing such interventions, the dignity level in chronic renal failure patients may be increased.