Discussion
weight gain
HAND PRESENTATION, CHRONIC DISEASES
The results of the present study indicated that eight sessions of positive thinking training along with assignments and practice promoted adherence to the treatment and hope among the hemodialysis patients. Previous studies have also revealed the role of individual attitudes and positive thinking in adherence to treatment in chronic diseases [The present study results revealed an improvement in weight control as well as in some laboratory tests, such as BUN and phosphate levels, after the intervention. However, no significant change was observed in potassium and creatinine tests. Serum levels of phosphate, potassium, creatinine, and BUN indicate a patient's adherence to diet and medication, and weight gain between two dialysis sessions shows the patient's adherence to fluid regimens [The findings of the present study showed that positive thinking training increased hope among the patients. Prior studies have also revealed the effects of positive thinking on psychological variables of individuals in different groups. In this regard, positive thinking training improved hope among elderly individuals [In this study, due to the intimate and close relationships among the patients undergoing hemodialysis, it was not possible to randomly assign the participants to the two groups. Thus, random allocation was done based on the hospitals. In addition, the participants were aware that they belonged to the control or the intervention group. These two limitations could reduce the generalizability of the findings. However, the use of face-to-face training at the time of hemodialysis was favorable for the patients in the intervention group and made them more willing to continue the study. Other strengths of the study included the use of a two-group, pre-post design, practices in each training session, and presentation of assignments in each session.Given the lack of research on the role of positive thinking in the hope of patients undergoing hemodialysis, it can be concluded from the results of the present study and the above-mentioned studies that interventions inducing positive thinking and motivation could increase hope among patients under hemodialysis. Therefore, because of its cost-effectiveness, this method can be used to increase these patients' hope.