The relationship between Hope and demographic characteristics of hemodialysis patients

Hopelessness is one of the most important psychological problems in hemodialysis patients in severe stages of the disease. Hope plays an important role in confronting with the problems and their tensions, and is effective as a potentially powerful factor in improving and adapting patients. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between hope and demographic characteristics in hemodialysis patients.

This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 103 patients undergoing hemodialysis in the Rasht Razi Dialysis Center in 2017. Data were collected using Snyder’s Hope and Demographic Characteristics Inventory. The data were analyzed using descriptive (tables of frequency distribution, mean and standard deviation) and analytical statistics (ANOVA and T-test) on SPSS 16, considering the significant level of p<0.05.

A majority of patients (54.36%) had high hope. Moreover, the mean and standard deviation of hope value was higher in patients with academic education (41.67%±10.0), history of dialysis <1 year (40.11±9.5), sufficient income (45.62±11.3) and history of kidney transplant (40.0±7.9) as well as in patients who were self-employed (40.82±12.2) and married (36.86±8.8). A significant difference was found between the hope value and variables of education level, income status and hypertension (P<0.05).

According to the results, the patients' hope level is influenced by some demographic characteristics including gender, education level, occupational status, income and history of dialysis. The results of this study can be taken into consideration by the authorities to provide the necessary planning and measures to promote the hope and improve the health of hemodialysis patients.