Adherence to dialysis therapy management in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Objective: Patients who suffer from end stage renal disease (ESRD) must adhere to dialysis therapy management, which consists of hemodialysis attendance, prescribed medications, fluid restrictions, and proper dietary intake. Non-adherence to this management can increase the morbidity and mortality rate, which indirectly affects quality of life. This study aimed to identify the adherence to dialysis therapy management in hemodialysis patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 57 hemodialysis patients selected using a purposive sampling technique from major governmental hospitals in Jakarta city. Clinical measures and a valid, reliable End Stage Renal Disease-Adherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ) were used to assess the patients’ adherence (hemodialysis attendance, prescribed medications, fluid restrictions, and dietary intake). Results: The results showed that 50.9% of respondents (n = 29) adhered to dialysis therapy management. In addition, the prevalence of hemodialysis patients’ adherence to hemodialysis attendance, prescribed medications, fluid restrictions, and dietary intake was 50.9%, 56.1%, 61.4%, and 73.7%, respectively. Conclusion: Patients who adhered to dialysis therapy management had a good quality of life. Therefore, this study recommends developing nursing interventions to maintain and improve patient compliance to improve quality of life. Keywords: Adherence to dialysis therapy management; end stage renal disease; hemodialysis; quality of life