Rates and Correlates of Therapy Non-Adherence in Adult Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

This article examines the rate of non-adherence (NA) and the relationship of demographic and psychosocial variables on NA with treatment, fluid, diet and medications in adult hemodialysis patients. We used a cross-sectional, longitudinal design, and included 107 adult hemodialysis patients. NA rates were variable depending on the outcome examined. Fluid NA rate was the highest, with 40% of participants categorized into this group. Significant differences and correlations were found between race and albumin, months on dialysis and Kt/V, and skipped treatments and Kt/V. No significant differences were found between sex, smoking, locus of control, depression, social support, general health, self-efficacy and co-morbid conditions. The influence of environmental factors, such as health care team and system factors, on adherence should be considered in future research.