Health Literacy-Based Self-Management Intervention for Patient-Family Caregiver Dyads Undergoing Hemodialysis.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a health literacy-based self-management intervention for patient-family caregiver dyads undergoing hemodialysis. A quasi-experimental design was used. The intervention group ( n = 20) received a health literacy-based self-management intervention for patient-family caregiver dyads, whereas the control group ( n = 23) received standard informational messages through a short messaging service for 8 weeks. All participants were assessed for hemodialysis knowledge, self-efficacy, family support, self-management, the ratio of interdialytic weight gain to dry weight, and serum phosphorus and potassium levels at pretest and posttest. Participants in the intervention group exhibited higher scores on hemodialysis knowledge, self-efficacy, family support, and self-management than those in the control group. In addition, the ratio of interdialytic weight gain to dry weight decreased significantly in the intervention group. The health literacy-based self-management intervention for patient-family caregiver dyads undergoing hemodialysis was effective in improving hemodialysis knowledge, self-efficacy, family support, self-management, and the ratio of interdialytic weight gain to dry weight. Because health literacy is an important factor influencing self-management, interventions for patients undergoing hemodialysis should consider the health literacy level of patients and their family caregivers.