Abstract
Introduction: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) has been the significant reason of death and
disability around the world and it is at increased risk all over the world.
Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between selftranscendence
and physically-healthy patients undergoing hemodialysis who participate in
peers support group.
Patients and Methods: This was a randomized clinical trial with control and intervention
groups of 64 each, which was conducted among patients admitted to Sabzevar hospital for
hemodialysis in the year 2013. Randomized sampling was used and 2-hour peer support
sessions were held for 8 weeks for the intervention group. The health problems related patients’
needs and interests were discussed in such sessions. The research tools were questionnaires,
demographic data, Reed’s self- transcendence scale, and physical function section of quality
of life questionnaire for patients on dialysis (KDQOL-SFTM). To analyze the data, descriptive
and inferential statistics were employed using SPSS software (version 18).
Results: A significant difference was observed between intervention and control groups in
terms of self-transcendence scores and physical health status (P<0.05). Also, there was a
significant direct relationship between the self-transcendence scores and improved physical
function (r = 0.56, P<0.05).
Conclusion: The results showed that promoting self-transcendence leads to enhanced
physical health status and the quality of life among patients receiving hemodialysis.