Objective: To investigate the effects of two health education models on the psychology and nutrition of patients waiting for cadaveric renal transplantation.
Methods: A total of 125 patients waiting for cadaveric renal transplantations were involved in our study. They were diagnosed with chronic renal failure in our hospital during September 1, 2009 to August 30, 2010. The patients were randomly divided into control group (n = 62) and observational group (n = 63). Patients in the control group received traditional health education with routine preoperative education during hospitalization. In the observational group, full-time nurses assessed the nutrition status of each patient and monitored the data. The observational patients were followed up and were given dietary guidance and knowledge of transplantation. Various kinds of education formats were adopted in observational group to provide communication opportunities between patients and surgeons in charge as well as patients who underwent transplantation. Psychological testings of patients in both groups were tested by self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) before and after the health education. Triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) and biochemistry index were also tested. Psychological and nutritional status of patients in the two groups was compared.
Results: There were no significant differences in scores of the SAS, SDS, TSF, Hb, and albumin (Alb) between the two groups (all P > 0.05) before health education. After health education, SAS and SDS in observational group were lower than those in the control group (40.02 ± 9.05 vs 47.05 ± 10.32, 42.70 ± 10.01 vs 50.83 ± 10.12; both P < 0.01). Both TSF and Hb were elevated after education (P < 0.001 or 0.05). Alb was significantly elevated in the observational group [(35.67 ± 6.19) g/L vs (37.48 ± 5.09) g/L, P < 0.01].
Conclusion: Comprehensive and various health education methods can significantly alleviate mental stress and improve nutrition of the patients waiting for kidney transplantation, which is helpful for patients facing disease positively and having a better quality of life.