英文摘要 |
Purposes: This study analyzed differences in knowledge about peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis by peritoneal dialysis patients who had received health education about dialysis. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a self-designed structured questionnaire that was composed of 10 questions about hemodialysis and 13 questions about peritoneal dialysis. Between August 10 and December 31, 2008, all regular peritoneal dialysis patients followed up at a medical center in central Taiwan were enrolled, and 181 valid questionnaires were obtained for this study. Results: The results showed the peritoneal dialysis patients’ understanding about peritoneal dialysis was better than their understanding about hemodialysis. There were two questions about peritoneal dialysis and seven questions about hemodialysis for which more than 10% of the responses was “No idea”. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that patients’ age, level of education, timing of health education, and complications with diabetes mellitus or renal stones were significant factors influencing knowledge about dialysis. These factors could explain between 6.6% and 18.7% of the variance. Conclusions: We suggest that individualized health education should be provided for patients undergoing dialysis. Patients’ age, level of education, knowledge about dialysis and experience with their disease should all be taken into consideration. We recommend that patients be provided with health education information by using various media such as videos and leaflets, so that they can review them at leisure after returning home. This may improve patients’ understanding about the different kinds of dialysis modalities, which in turn may enhance patients’ quality of life and the quality of their care. |