Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate factors that influence self-care behavior, particularly self-esteem, in chronic dialysis patients. We distributed self-administered questionnaires comprising the "Self-care Behavior Scale of Dialysis Patients" and "Self-Esteem Scale" to 188 patients undergoing outpatient treatment at hospitals offering hemodialysis. All variables that showed a significant difference with the Self-care Behavior Scale were designated independent variables and were subjected to stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results of this analysis revealed that self-esteem, age, and sex were influencing factors in all self-care behavior subscales. The presence or absence of role was also an influencing factor in the "physical and psychosocial lifestyle adjustment" subscale. From the above, it was suggested that it is necessary to support self-esteem raising and support role adjustment according to the situation.
