Inter‒relations among knowledge, motivation, and practice in daily life management and QOL of patients undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the inter‒relations among knowledge, motivation, and practice in daily life management and quality of life (QOL) among patients undergoing hemodialysis. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 113 outpatient hemodialysis patients to assess their knowledge, motivation, and practice related to daily life management. The survey also included self‒assessment of QOL (Kidney Disease Quality of Life instrument Short Form： KDQOL‒SF^TM). Data were analyzed using the Mann‒Whitney U test. Results showed that, across all daily life management items, the Knowledge group scored significantly higher in “Role Functioning Physical” and similar items, while the Motivation group scored significantly higher in “Quality of social interaction” and similar items (p ＜0.05). Furthermore, in the motivation group, adherence to basic management items, such as dietary quantity, content precautions, and appropriate daily fluid intake, was significantly correlated with higher scores in “Role Functioning Emotional” (p ＜0.05). These findings indicate that knowledge, motivation, and practice in daily life management are associated with distinct aspects of QOL in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Nurses should be encouraged to provide management knowledge while considering each of these elements, enable patients to take an active role in their self‒management, and offer individualized education and support within sustainable limits. This approach is likely to enhance QOL of patients undergoing hemodialysis.