Empowerment and social support for patients with chronic kidney disease: Case study in Michoacán, Mexico

Abstract

Objective. Identify the degree of empowerment and the characteristics of the social support for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods. Cross-sectional study of people with chronic kidney disease living in the municipality of Hidalgo, Michoacán, Mexico, who belong to the Association of Kidney Patients, Civil Association. The study examined the sociodemographic profile and personal characteristics associated with the disease, the degree of empowerment, the degree of social support, and family functioning. Results. Close to 90% of the sample receives sufficient social support, while 40% of the participants belong to semi-cohesive or cohesive families The overall empowerment score was 117.5 ± 14.3; community empowerment was higher in the older group (P < 0.05). Positive social interaction is the social support component most strongly correlated with the degree of empowerment (r = 0.333; P < 0.01). Conclusions. Empowerment is determined by, and is a determinant of, social support and has facilitated access to renal replacement therapy in this community.