Abstract:
The purposes of this research were: (1) to study the level of coping process of the patients with chronic kidney diseases who were treated by hemodialysis, (2) to compare the behaviour of the patients with different health benefits, and (3) to study the factors affecting the patients coping process. The sample of this study consisted of 130 patients who were treated by hemodialysis at the Hemodialysis Department at three hospitals in Phuket: Wachira Hospital, Bangkok Hospital, and Siriroj Hospital. The instruments used for this research were questionnaires. The statistics employed in analyzing the data were percentage, frequency, arithmetic means, standard deviation, F-test, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.
The results showed that the level of coping process of the patients with chronic kidney diseases was found to be high. The patients with different health benefits had the same level of coping process. From the prediction analysis, it was found that the following factors could significantly predict the coping process of the patients: internal locus of control (25.30%) and self- esteem (30.80%). The prediction equation was follow:
Y= 1.070 + .382X37 + .243X36
Z = .414X37 + .251X36
Suggestions from the study were that the Ministry of Health should create a training course to increase the patients internal locus of control and self-esteem. This training will be useful for the patients family, relatives, friends, as well as the health professionals to assist the patients with chronic kidney disease to cope with their illness efficiently. Activities to promote social support for the patients are also recommended.