Relationship between self-transcendence and physically-healthy patients under hemodialysis in participating in peer-support group; a randomized clinical trial

Introduction: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) has been the significant reason of death and disability around the world and it is at increased risk all over the world. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between self-transcendence and physically-healthy patients undergoing hemodialysis who participate in peers support group. Patients and Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial with control and intervention groups of 64 each, which was conducted among patients admitted to Sabzevar hospital for hemodialysis in the year 2013. Randomized sampling was used and 2-hour peer support sessions were held for 8 weeks for the intervention group. The health problems related patients’ needs and interests were discussed in such sessions. The research tools were questionnaires, demographic data, Reed’s self- transcendence scale, and physical function section of quality of life questionnaire for patients on dialysis (KDQOL-SFTM). To analyze the data, descriptive and inferential statistics were employed using SPSS software (version 18). Results: A significant difference was observed between intervention and control groups in terms of self-transcendence scores and physical health status (P < 0.05). Also, there was a significant direct relationship between the self-transcendence scores and improved physical function (r = 0.56, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that promoting self-transcendence leads to enhanced physical health status and the quality of life among patients receiving hemodialysis.