The effect of conscious awareness-based nursing interventions applied to hemodialysis patients on psychosocial adaptation

INTRODUCTION: Individuals receiving hemodialysis treatment have to cope with many physiological and psychological stressors. This situation may negatively affect the psychosocial adaptation of individuals. This study investigated the effect of mindfulness-based training programs on mindfulness levels, hemodialysis-related stressors, and psychosocial adjustment of hemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, a randomized controlled experimental design and an explanatory sequential design were used, using mixed methods. The study sample consisted of 32 patients (16 intervention-16 control) receiving hemodialysis services in the Sakarya and Düzce provinces. A six-week mindfulness training program was applied to the intervention group. No intervention was applied to the control group. Quantitative data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Mindfulness Scale, Hemodialysis Stressor Scale, and Psychosocial Adaptation to Illness Self-Report Scale. Qualitative data were collected through a semi-structured interview form after the intervention program. In the study, t-tests for independent groups and t-tests for dependent groups were used to analyze quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of the mindfulness scale, hemodialysis stressor scale and its sub- dimensions, Psychosocial Adaptation to Illness Self-Report Scale, and orientation to health care, psychological pressure sub-dimensions of the intervention group (p<0.05). Within the framework of qualitative analyses, two themes were identified: "Program Outcomes" and "Opinions and Suggestions Regarding the Program". CONCLUSIONS: This program increased the mindfulness levels of hemodialysis patients, facilitated their coping with hemodialysis-related stressors and increased their psychosocial adjustment. It is recommended that mindfulness-based practices should be included in nursing care and their use should be expanded. Keywords: Mindfulness, hemodialysis, nursing, psychosocial adjustment, stressors