Body image in patients undergoing dialysis

Chronic renal disease is a health problem in today’s world. In the end-stages of renal disease patients depend upon alternative therapies including dialysis for their survival. However, dialysis causes several stressors on physical, mental and social performance of patients. The present study aimed to review and compare the self-concept in Patients undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. This was a case-control study including two groups of patients, undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis who referred to Al-Zahra and Ali Asghar Hospitals, which are affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. These groups were compared to the control group. Data were collected through completing the form of demographic characteristics and a questionnaire, written by the researcher, pertaining to the body image which was collected by the samples. The data were analyzed by the Software SPSS version 18. ANOVA (analysis of variance) showed that statistically there was a significant difference between mean score of body-image in the two groups of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis with the control group; however, Duncan’s post-hoc analysis showed no significant difference between mean score of body image in the two groups of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Patients undergoing dialysis have many psychological disorders and the type of dialysis is not of much importance in this regard; therefore, adequate education and information for clients in order to use appropriate methods of adaptation as well as appropriate social relationship, continuing social and familial support and developing health policies seem necessary in order to prevent mental disorders and providing required services and supports for patients.