The relationship between self-care behaviours regarding arteriovenous fistula and the fear of fistula failure in individuals receiving haemodialysis treatment

Abstract

Background: Many problems regarding the self-care behaviours of haemodialysis patients are recognised; however, the fear experienced by the patients cannot be adequately explained. Aims: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between self-care behaviours related to arteriovenous fistula and fear of fistula failure in individuals receiving haemodialysis treatment. Methods: In this descriptive and relational study, 259 patients who met the inclusion criteria constituted the sample of the study. A multiple regression analysis enter model was used to evaluate the predictive power of the Self-Care Behaviours in Arteriovenous Fistula Scale. Results: It was found that the primary source of fear related to the fistula was the fear of fistula failure with a rate of 79.5%, and the patients who had this fear had a lower mean self-care scale score. The variables account for 12% of the self-care situation, and it is seen that the model is significant. Conclusions: It was concluded that increasing the fear of failure decreased the self-care score. This study is important for raising awareness among nurses regarding the fear of fistula failure. Nurses must provide appropriate care for vascular access and try to alleviate patients’ anxiety and fears by listening to them.