Determining the Relationship Between Self-care Agency and Patient Compliance in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine self-care agency (SCA), the level of patient compliance, and the relationship between SCA and patient compliance in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 88 hemodialysis patients between April 2021 and January 2022. A Patient Information Form, the Adaptation to Chronic Illness Scale (ACIS), and the Self-Care Agency Scale for Patients on Long-Term Dialysis (SCAS) were used for data collection. Results: Sociodemographic characteristics such as age, education, and economic status affected patient compliance and SCA of patients undergoing hemodialysis. The mean total score on the ACIS was 79.82 ± 10.07, and the mean total score on the SCAS was 14.84 ± 6.67. There was a negative significant correlation between the total score on the ACIS and the total score on the SCAS (r=−0.711, P < .001). Conclusion: According to the study results, the patients’ SCA and patient compliance were interpreted as low. It was seen that the SCA of patients receiving hemodialysis treatment and their compliance with chronic disease were influenced by various variables. It is thus important to determine and develop SCA and patient compliance for disease management.