Methodical Arrangement of Factors Related with Adherence to Dietary and Fluid Restrictions among Adult Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Objective: We investigated the features and applicability of scales that can assess psychosocial factors related with adherence in order to improve adherence to dietary and fluid restrictions among hemodialysis (HD) patients.
Methods: We searched two databases (PubMed and Scopus) and collected articles that developed scales that included psychosocial factors related to adherence among HD patients. Appropriate studies were selected by two researchers, and appropriate scales were organized according to outline of subscales and their validity/reliability.
Results: We selected 10 articles including 7 types of scales. These were grouped into three categories based on psychosocial concepts (self-efficacy, benefits and barriers (Health Belief Model), and general beliefs or attitudes). Although the scales focused on self-efficacy contained high levels of validity and reliability with regard to adherence, those focused on general beliefs or attitudes did not score sufficiently on such indicators.
Conclusions: Using scales focused on psychosocial factors and described in concrete terms may be helpful in improving adherence among HD patients. More studies are required to develop scales focused on HD patients’ beliefs or attitudes, which seemingly have different aspects from patients with other chronic diseases, perhaps because of their specific conditions or restrictions in daily life.