Influence of uncertainty, depression, and social support on self-care compliance in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the associations among uncertainty, depression, social support, and self-care compliance in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and to identify the factors influencing self-care compliance. Methods: A convenience sample of 152 patients receiving hemodialysis was selected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlations, and hierarchical regression analysis with the SPSS 23.0 program. Results: Participants performed a moderate level of self-care consisting of factors such as knowledge of hemodialysis, dietary knowledge of hemodialysis, dietary compliance with hemodialysis, and compliance with hemodialysis order. The self-care compliance of participants undergoing hemodialysis showed a significant relationship with depression, uncertainty, and social support. The factors significantly influencing self-care compliance were social support and occupation. These variables explained 24.9% of the variance in self-care compliance. Conclusion: Findings from this study confirmed that uncertainty, depression, and social support are major factors affecting self-care compliance, and that the higher the patients’ uncertainty, the lower their self-care compliance. Thus, interventions should be performed to reduce uncertainty and to improve self-care through accurate information and education on disease progression and self-care.