Pre-dialysis patients'perceived autonomy, self-esteem and labor participation

[okarol]

Pre-dialysis patients'perceived autonomy, self-esteem and labor participation: Associations with illness perceptions and treatment perceptions. A cross-sectional study

Compared to healthy people, patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) participate less in paid jobs and social activities. The aim of the study was to examine a) the perceived autonomy, self-esteem and labor participation of patients in the pre-dialysis phase, b) pre-dialysis patients'illness perceptions and treatment perceptions, and c) the association of these perceptions with autonomy, self-esteem and labor participation.

Methods: Patients (N=109) completed questionnaires at home.

Data were analysed using bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results: The results showed that the average autonomy levels were not very high, but the average level of self-esteem was rather high, and that drop out of the labor market already occurs during the pre-dialysis phase. Positive illness and treatment beliefs were associated with higher autonomy and self-esteem levels, but not with employment.

Multiple regression analyses revealed that illness and treatment perceptions explained a substantial amount of variance in autonomy (17%) and self-esteem (26%). The perception of less treatment disruption was an important predictor.

Conclusions: Patient education on possibilities to combine CKD and its treatment with activities, including paid work, might stimulate positive (realistic) beliefs and prevent or challenge negative beliefs.

Interventions focusing on these aspects may assist patients to adjust to CKD, and ultimately prevent unnecessary drop out of the labor market.

Author: Daphne JansenDiana GrootendorstMieke RijkenMonique HeijmansAd KapteinElisabeth BoeschotenFriedo DekkerPrepare-2 Study Group
Credits/Source: BMC Nephrology 2010, 11:35

http://7thspace.com/headlines/366304/pre_dialysis_patientsperceived_autonomy_self_esteem_and_labor_participation_associations_with_illness_perceptions_and_treatment_perceptions_a_cross_sectional_study.html

[paul.karen]

The first sentence answers all the questions?

Do people get money to do such studies?

   people who are sick dont do as well as healthy people.

[KarenInWA]

I am pre-D, and hope to be pre-D for a very long time.  My main goal as my kidneys fail is to hold onto my job.  Not only does it provide me a paycheck, it also is my lifeline with the incredible medical insurance benefits I am lucky to receive.  Also, I rather like RichardMEL's philosophy on working: it makes life normal, and gives one something other than one's disease to think about and focus on! 

KarenInWA