Adherence of Hemodialysis Patients toward their Therapeutic Regimen in Al-Hilla Teaching Hospitals

Abstract

Background: Adherence to dietary guidelines, fluid restriction, prescription medicines, and hemodialysis (HD) sessions is essential for optimal and successful therapy. Nonadherence is linked to a variety of unfavorable clinical outcomes and decreases the quality of life of patients. Objective: The study aimed to assess the adherence of hemodialysis patients toward their therapeutic regimen. Methodology: A descriptive study (cross-sectional) was started from the 19th of September, 2021, to the 6th of July, 2022. The study was carried out in two artificial kidney centers at Al-Hilla teaching hospitals. The non-probability purposive sample consisted of 100 patients with ESRD who received hemodialysis treatment. The data was collected by using a modified questionnaire used to assess the adherence of hemodialysis patients toward their therapeutic regimen. Then this data was electronically analyzed using SPSS Version 26. Results: The results revealed that the greatest percent of the study sample (36%) were aged 60 years and older, more than half (58%) were males, and the majority of the sample (74%) were married. 40% had only hypertension as a chronic disease. 72% of them received two hemodialysis sessions per week, and 46% had a hemodialysis duration of 6–12 months. The overall findings of hemodialysis patients' adherence demonstrated that 90% of them expressed a moderate level of adherence to the therapeutic regimen. Conclusion: The study concluded that the adherence of hemodialysis patients toward their therapeutic regimen was moderate.