Abstract

Background: The most common psychological problem in hemodialysis patients is low hope. Hope is an important source of adaptation for the survival of the patients with a chronic disease.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of spiritual care on hope in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial conducted in Iran in 2017, 60 hemodialysis patients with ending-stage of renal disease under hemodialysis treatment were randomly assigned into two experimental (n=30) and control (n=30) groups. The spiritual care program consisting of protectionist care, supporting the patient's rituals and using support systems was administered in four sessions of 60 minutes individually, twice a week, morning or evening in hemodialysis ward. Snyder’s Hope Questionnaire was completed before and after the intervention in both groups. Data were analyzed in SPSS software version 16.

Results: Prior to the intervention, there was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups (p=0.262); however, following the intervention, the difference was statistically significant with regard to the mean scores of hope in the experimental (36.43 ± 3.37) and control (35.20 ± 7.00) groups (p=0.04).

Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, spiritual care promotes hope in Muslim patients undergoing hemodialysis; therefore, nurses can adopt the spiritual care to this end.

Keywords: Spirituality, hope, chronic renal insufficiencies, hemodialysis, nursing, chronic disease, protectionist care.