IDENTIFICATION OF THE NEEDS OF HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS USING THE CONCEPT OF MASLOW'S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS

Along with basic survival and other clinical outcomes, patients' quality of life is an important indicator to reflect the needs of these patients. Human needs are classified in Maslow's hierarchy, where the most essential basic physiological need provides the base, and self actualisation is at the top of pyramid. Aim: The aim of this study is to identify the patients' needs who are on maintenance haemodialysis using concept of Maslow's hierarchy. Method: The descriptive study was conducted in the dialysis unit of Suez Canal University Hospitals. The study included 50 patients attending the dialysis unit. Results: The findings showed that the patients' highest need was for self-esteem (92.0%), whereas the lowest was for love and belonging (38.0%). Statistically significant relationships were revealed between the identified love and belonging needs and patients' age and the duration of dialysis (p = 0.008). The total needs score was lower with the longer duration of dialysis (59.6 +/- 7.3), compared to those with a duration less than 24 months (65.7 +/- 8.1), p = 0.02. Conclusion: Based on the main study findings it is concluded that haemodialysis patients' highest need was for self-esteem, and the lowest was for love and belonging. These needs increased with longer duration of dialysis. Nurses need to be aware of these findings in order to be able to supply the necessary support to help the patient regain his/her self-concept.