The effect of group meaning therapy on life expectancy, quality of life and general health of patients with chronic scar burns

Background and Aim : Post-burn burn patients face many physical and psychological problems related to skin and low self-esteem. The limitations created by illness and family occupational duties make patients social weight difficult and cause social isolation and depression. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of group meaning therapy on life expectancy and general health of chronic burn patients. Methods : The study was a quasi-experimental study with control group. In this study 128 patients (64 in control group and 64 in intervention group) were participated in the study. . Inclusion criteria included low score on Miller questionnaire, general health score of 6 and above cutoff, having cycle and higher, hospital contact for one month during the study. The intervention consisted of 6 sessions of meaningful therapy twice a week for one hour (one month). The questionnaire used in this study consisted of General Health Questionnaire, Miller Hope Questionnaire and Burn Quality of Life Questionnaire. The questionnaires were completed by the participants of the intervention group before entering the study and one month after the intervention. Participants in the control group also answered the above questionnaire questions at the same time. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 19 software using t-test and Mann-Whitney tests. Results : There was no significant difference between the mean score of life expectancy, general health and quality of life in the control and intervention groups before intervention, but the difference between the mean score of life expectancy, general health and quality of life between the two experimental and control groups. Post-intervention control was significant. The intervention group had a better mean score in all three cases. (P <0.00) Conclusion : Meaningfulness therapy is effective in improving the life expectancy, general health and quality of life of patients with visible scar burns and using this method can improve the quality of life of these patients.It is recommended to use semantic training in burn wards and chronic burn patients.

کلیدواژه ها:

Meaning therapy ، Life expectancy ، Quality of life ، Public health