Health beliefs of salt intake among patients undergoing haemodialysis.

Abstract

High salt intake has been recognised as a risk factor that contributes to a poor outcome in patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD). This study examined health beliefs about salt intake among patients undergoing haemodialysis. This was a cross-sectional study using a convenience sample. 307 outpatients completed the health beliefs of sodium intake scale (HBSIS). In this cohort, the score for the perceived self-efficacy subscale (3.59 ± 0.76) was highest, while the score for perceived barriers (2.52 ± 0.67) subscale was lowest. These perceived benefits, susceptibility for the reduction, and no reduction of sodium intake subscale scores were significantly higher in female than in male patients (p < 0.05). The scores for the subscale of perceived barriers, and the seriousness for the reduction and no reduction of sodium intake were significantly higher in haemodialysis patients who had been educated above high school compared with patients with middle school education and below (p < 0.05). The scores for the subscale of perceived benefits, susceptibility, and self-efficacy for reduction or no reduction of sodium intake were also significantly higher in haemodialysis patients with higher income compared to those with lower income (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The score for the subscale of perceived seriousness for no reduction of sodium intake was significantly higher in patients who had received transplants than in patients who had not received a transplant (p < 0.01). Patients undergoing haemodialysis have a low level of health belief about salt intake.