Determination of self image and self esteem level within hemodialysis patients in Düzce city

ABSTRACTThis investigation has been carried out to evaluate the body-image and self-esteemlevels of hemodialysis patients in Düzce descriptively. The sample of the investigation iscomprised of 110 (52 F, 58 M) patients treated in hemodialysis centers in Duzce. The datawas collected through face to face interviews, Patients Information Form, Body-Image Scale,Coopersmith Self-Esteem Scale and multidimensionaly Social Support Scale. Data wasanalysed on a statistical package program. In the statistical analyses carried out, student t-test, Mann-Whitney U, One-Way Analysis of Variance Test (ANOVA), Kruskall-Vallis andcorrelation coefficient tests were used.As a result of study it was determined that a majority ofpatients were male, in 41-60 age group, married, primary-school graduated, had social-insurance, medium-high level income, had no work, majority of working patients had freecareer, the on working patients were housewife. Majority of patients were on hemodialysistherapy more than three years. In almost all patients physical changes has occured. The mostwidespread of this were fistula on the arm and paleness. Body image and self-esteem levelsof hemodialysis patients were low and they were supported by their families mostly. Bodyimage levels of illiterates, widow-divorced, unemployed, had skin dryness and fissurs, hademational changing because of physical changes were low. Self-esteem levels of hemodialysispatients were in the middle level. Self esteem levels were low in patients who were illeterates,divorced-widowed, in low socio-economic status and having troubles with their energy level,social life, sexual life, occupational life and domestic responsibility. There were positivecorrelation between self esteem, body image and social support and negative correlationbetween the number of daily life activites thats patients could?t do themselves without anyhelp. In the light of the findings of the investigation it is suggested that hemodialysis patientsshould be evaluated holisticaly and cooperation should be establish between consultation-liaison psyciatry and hemodialysis center.Keywords; Body-Image, Self-Esteem, Hemodialysis, Nursing