Adherence To Hemodialysis And Associated Factors Among Adult Patients Of End Stage Renal Disease

Abstract

Background: End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is one of the major public health issues with profound consequences for people, families, and communities on a physiologic, psychological, and socioeconomic level. Around the world, ESRD affects over 850 million people. This is equivalent to 11–13% of the entire world's population.

Objective: To assess the level of adherence to hemodialysis among adult patients of End Stage Renal Disease and to explore the factors associated with adherence to hemodialysis among adult patients of End Stage Renal Disease.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A random sampling technique was used. Data were gathered using the End Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ). Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 was used to analyze the data.

Results: The majority were aged 40-50 years (33.3%), female (66.7%), and married (70%). Educational levels varied, with 52% being illiterate. Hal[1]f were employed, while common comorbidities included diabetes (40.7%) and heart disease (30%). Regarding adherence, only 18.6% followed medication guidelines, 42.7% adhered to hemodialysis treatment, 46.7% adhered to dietary restrictions, and 58.6% adhered to fluid intake recommendations. Significant associations were found between adherence and demographic factors, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion: Adherence to hemodialysis is a concern in Pakistan and continues to be a worldwide problem among patients with ESRD. Overall adherence to hemodialysis among ESRD patients is low. In this regard, continuous education and prompt communication is needed to increase the adherence attitude towards dialysis treatment. Focusing specifically on the identified predictors can help create beneficial policies that will greatly increase the degree of adherence. Nurses should promote hemodialysis adherence on behalf of patients with ESRD.