The Relationship Between Self-Efficacy and Fluid and Dietary Compliance in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) require complex medical management that necessitates strict adherence to their treatment program. But why individuals are noncompliant with their prescribed therapeutic regimen is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between self-efficacy and self-reported fluid and dietary compliance as well as identify the possible barriers that prevented patient compliance. One hundred ESRD patients who received hemodialysis three times a week participated. Bivariate correlational analysis showed there were strong positive correlations between self-efficacy and daily fluid (r = .56; p < .001) and dietary (r = .53; p < .001) restrictions. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the potential barriers predicted for fluid and dietary compliance, which also showed statistical significance. The results showed those who reported being in social gatherings were less compliant with fluid and dietary restrictions (F[1, 90] = 14.62, p < .001). Similarly, those who reported greater frustration with kidney disease reported less compliance with fluid and dietary restrictions (F[1, 90] = 4.65, p < .01). By using the results of this study, clinicians and nurses can adopt multiple strategies to improve patient self-efficacy levels and self-management capacities. This study also provides a better understanding of barriers that prevents dietary and fluid restriction compliance.