ABSTRACT
This research tested the hypothesis that fluid adherence (i.e. mean weekend interdialysis fluid weight gain) among adult chronic hemodialysis patients would have significant associations with fluid adherence efficacy expectation, fluid adherence outcome expectation, and fluid adherence motivation. The association of these variables with patients' medical characteristics was also examined. Results provide partial support for the hypothesis. Fluid adherence efficacy expectation was found to be a significant predictor of mean weekend interdialysis fluid weight gain (fluid adherence). Patients with higher fluid adherence efficacy expectations had lower mean weekend interdialysis fluid weight gains. However, fluid adherence outcome expectation and fluid adherence motivation were not found to be significant predictors of fluid adherence. Results also revealed that certain of the investigated medical characteristics were significantly associated with mean weekend interdialysis fluid weight gain and fluid adherence efficacy expectation. Implications for studying and modifying fluid adherence among hemodialysis patients are discussed.
Subject(s)
Drinking , Kidney Failure, Chronic/psychology , Patient Compliance/psychology , Renal Dialysis/psychology , Self Efficacy , Adaptation, Psychological , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Kidney Failure, Chronic/therapy , Male , Middle Aged , Motivation , Personality Inventory , Sick Role , Weight GainABSTRACT
A Dialysis Patient Concerns Inventory (DPCI) was administered to 15 chronic hemodialysis outpatients by their nurses to assess concerns related to being a hemodialysis patient. This direct information from patients rather than experts in the field was used to construct a group counseling program to address these and other concerns later acknowledged by patients once group counseling began. Components of the counseling program, how the program was implemented, its effects, and factors important in effective program implementation with nurse involvement are discussed. It was concluded that it is important for nurses to play key roles in group counseling to address patients' concerns. It is also important for such counseling to be based on structured assessment of specific concerns reported from patients. Furthermore, it was concluded that group counseling should be planned and executed in ways that actively involve patients and that allow patients to participate for skill development and for life enhancement, rather than to get help with personal problems--a motivator that is often stigmatized.