The Effect of Origami Activities on Comfort Level and Quality of Life

The Effect of Origami Activities on Comfort Level and Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis Treatment

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of origami activity on the comfort levels and quality of life of patients undergoing HD treatment.

Patients undergoing HD treatment must undergo dialysis 2-3 days a week, spend approximately 4 hours per day at the dialysis center, remain dependent on a center and caregiver throughout the treatment, experience mobility limitations, and experience disruptions in their social relationships. Patients can receive adequate treatment only if their physical, mental, and biochemical well-being are maintained.

Activities implemented by dialysis nurses during hemodialysis can be beneficial for HD patients. Art therapy, which is frequently of interest to individuals (painting, drawing, coloring, mandala painting, mural painting, clay modeling, collage, sculpture, ceramics, and model making), is a therapeutic activity that reduces anxiety, increases awareness, facilitates recovery from trauma, and improves social skills and self-esteem. Its benefits have been proven in various patient groups. Origami art is an art therapy known to provide behavioral, social, emotional, and psychomotor developmental benefits, and its therapeutic effects in HD patients have not been previously studied. In this context, this study aims to make a new scientific contribution to the literature of non-pharmacological nursing interventions by examining the effect of a 12-session origami activity on the comfort level and quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years of age or older,
• Literate,
• Undergoing continuous hemodialysis treatment for at least six months,
• Receiving hemodialysis treatment three days a week,
• No visual impairment,
• No communication or perception problems and able to communicate in Turkish,
• No issues (wounds, arthritis, orthopedic impairments, etc.) in the upper extremities that would prevent paper folding,
• No arteriovenous fistula in the dominant arm used for folding,
• Has not received a psychiatric diagnosis and is not taking psychiatric medication,
• Voluntarily agrees to participate in the study,
• Has not previously participated in an activity such as origami.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Receiving dialysis treatment as an outpatient,
• Wishing to withdraw from the study at any stage