Social Support and Adherence to Treatment Regimens among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Following recommended treatment plans is essential to the success of the treatment. In hemodialysis, adherence to the treatment regimen remains a challenge in many healthcare settings. Many factors, including the patient's level of social support, influence treatment adherence, but few studies have addressed these relationships.

METHODS

A correlational cross-sectional design was used to assess the relationship between perceived social support and adherence to treatment regimens among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Self-reported surveys were used to collect data.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-one hemodialysis patients were recruited from two dialysis centers. Overall, 45.5% of participants demonstrated good adherence, 47.9% had moderate adherence, and 6.6% had poor adherence. Specifically, 76% of participants consistently took their prescribed medications, 75% regularly attended hemodialysis sessions, 67.8% adhered to dietary restrictions, and 62% followed fluid-intake guidelines. Perceived social support was reported as highest from family members (89.3%), followed by significant others (62.8%) and friends (49.6%). There were significant correlations between perceived social support and overall adherence to treatments among hemodialysis patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence for positive relationships between perceived social support and adherence to treatment regimens among hemodialysis patients. It is recommended that professional caregivers intervene with clients and their families, prepare recreational and educational programs for patients undergoing hemodialysis, and inspire other researchers to suggest different social support models and approaches.