The Effects of Group Discussion Based Education on the Promotion of Self-Management Behaviors in Hemodialysis Patients

Introduction: Improving self-management of the patients undergoing hemodialysis is an effective way to reduce complications and to improve the quality of life of them. The current study aims to assess the effects of group discussion on the promotion of self-management behaviors in hemodialysis patients. Methods: In this quasi–experimental study (with experimental and control groups) 60 patients were arranged in two experimental and control groups through using convenience sampling with random allocation. Self-management interventions were conducted on the experimental group during 3 to 4 sessions of group discussion. The control group received routine interventions. The data were collected through Li and colleagues self-management standard questionnaire before and 3 months after the intervention. The data were analyzed via SPSS software version 13 and chi-square, t-test, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon test. Results: The results showed that the mean scores of four dimension of self-management including participation with the medical team, problem solving, self-care and emotional management after the implementation of group were significantly different between the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: Based on the findings, group discussion was an effective educational method to promote self-management of chronic hemodialysis patients. Therefore, holding group discussion to reinforce the self- management behaviors in patients undergoing hemodialysis is recommended.