[Correlation of quality of sleep or quality of life and some of blood factors in hemodialysis patients]

Although considerable progress has been made in the treatment of chronic kidney disease, compromised quality of life continues to be a significant problem for patients receiving hemodialysis [HD]. However, in spite of the high prevalence of sleep complaints and disorders in this population, the relationship between these problems and quality of life of patients on dialysis is not known in Iran. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate correlation between quality of sleep and quality of life [HRQoL] and some of blood factors in hemodialysis patients. This descriptive and analytical study was accomplished on 85 of hemodialysis patients in 1383-84. The samples were chosen on the basis of a non-randomized sampling selected from the educational hospitals of Iran and Tehran medical science universities. Quality of sleep was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI] and HRQoL was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form [SF-36]. Data were analyzed using X[2], two-tailed Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney, and Spearman correlation coefficient tests. Sixty-three [71%] of the patients were 'poor sleepers' [global PSQI>5]. The SF-36 mental component summary [MCS] and physical component summary [PCS] correlated inversely with the global PSQI score [P<0.05]. The PCS score also correlated with age [P<0.05], hemoglobin [P<0.05]. Global PSQI score correlated inversely with hemoglobin, serum albumin, mental component summary [MCS] and physical component summary [PCS] [P<0.05]. Subjects with global PSQI>5 had a lower hemoglobin and lower HRQoL in all SF-36 domains [P<0.05]. Poor sleep is one of the common problems in these patients and causes low HRQoL. Low level of hemoglobin and albumin result in decreasing of quality of life and quality of sleep. Regulation of hemoglobin, albumin, and other blood factors in patients can lead to better sleep and thus increasing of quality of life in them

effect of dietary regimen education on the laboratory variables and interdialytic weight gain in hemodialytic patients

Nutrition is an important factor in patients with chronic kidney disease. An inadequate nutritional regimen decreases the life quality and leads to high mortality and morbidilty in these patients. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the effect of dietary regimen education on the laboratory variables and interdialytic weight gain in hemodialytic patients. This quasi-experimental study was carried out on a group of 32 hemodialytic patients [pretest-posttest] in the educational hospitals of Iran and Tehran medical science universities in 2003-2004. The patients were assessed by a questionnaire about their educational needs before starting dialysis. The laboratory variables were analyzed by two-month average before the education and interdialytic weight gain was measured at four stages with a time interval of two weeks. Then, an educational program on the basis of Orem theory, existing problems, characteristics of the patients and the required education was presented in four sessions, [each session lasted 20 minutes]. At the end of the educational period, the laboratory variables [average two months] and interdialytic weight gain were studied at four stages with a time interval of two weeks [third and fifth weeks]. Data was analyzed, using t test. The findings showed that there were significant decreases in serum levels of urea [p<0.001], uric acid [p<0.01], phosphorous [p<0.01] and K [p<0.005]. Interdialytic weight gain, between two sessions of hemodialysis, was also decreased [p<0.001]. However, there were no statistically significant differences in serum levels of Na, Ca, Cr and albumin. Performing of the educational program for nutrition may have positive influence on decreasing the problems of hemodialytic patients

[The effect of self - care educational program on decreasing the problems and improving the quality of life of dialysis patients]

In patients who have a chronic disease such as end stage renal disease for which cure is not a realistic goal, maximizing functioning and well-being should be a primary objective of care. However, functioning status in the dialysis patients is often lower than normal. This study is aiming to determine the effect of self-care educational programs on decreasing problems and improving quality of life of dialysis patients. This study was a quasi-experimental research in one group [pretest-posttest] accomplished in the educational hospitals of Iran and Tehran medical sciences universities from 2003 to 2004. A total of 32 patients were chosen on the basis of a non-randomized sampling. Each patient was assessed in two sessions before starting the dialysis treatment by questionnaires about educational requirements and quality of life and a checklist of common problems in dialysis patients. In order to validate the results, the laboratory variables were analyzed as a two months average prior to the education. The authors designed an educational program on the basis of existing problems and then determined the characteristics of each person under study and the required education was presented in two sessions. After the educational period was ended, the laboratory variables [average two months] and quality of life two months after education were analyzed and also the checklist were studied in two stages with a time interval of two weeks [third and fifth weeks]. There was a significant decrease in serum urea, uric acid, serum creatinine, K, weight gain, systolic blood pressure, edema, skin itching and local vascular problems. Also, there was a significant improvement in the patients' quality of life. Self-care educational programs have a positive influence on decreasing the problems and improving the quality of life of dialysis patient