Date of Award

5-1996

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is present in over 200,000 people in the United States (United States Renal Data System, 1995). Most receive some type of renal dialysis. Nicholas and Webster (1993) studied hardiness and social support in HIV patients; however, these concepts have not been studied together in patients with ESRD. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of social support and hardiness on the type of dialysis renal patients experience and the length of time on dialysis.

Pollock's Adaptation to Chronic Illness Framework guided this research. A convenient sample of 56 persons undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis completed the Health-Related Hardiness Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Demographic data was also collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive and parametric statistics.

Findings included no significant relationship between hardiness and type of dialysis chosen or social support and type of dialysis chosen. There was not a relationship between hardiness and social support and type of dialysis chosen. There was not a significant relationship between hardiness and length of time on dialysis, or social support and length of time on dialysis, or hardiness and social support and length of time on dialysis. There was a correlation between hardiness and social support. Recommendations arc made for practice, education, and research.

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