Self-efficacy training for patients with end-stage renal disease

Patients with end-stage renal disease often fail to follow a prescribed diet and fluid regimen, which undermines the effectiveness of care and leads to unpredictable progression of the disease and greater likelihood of complications.

The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to examine the effectiveness of self-efficacy training on fluid intake compliance.

This study took place in northern Taiwan. Eligible patients were receiving routine haemodialysis; 20-65 years of age; living in a community setting; able to read and write; and willing to participate. Sixty-two end-stage renal disease patients participated in the study. Those in the experimental group (n = 31) received 12 sessions of structured self-efficacy training; the control group patients (n = 31) received only routine care. The intervention was based on Bandura's theory and included an educational component, performance mastery, experience sharing, and stress management. The outcome measure was the mean body weight gain between dialysis sessions. Data were collected at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 months following the intervention and analysed by a descriptive and repeated-measures anova.

Experimental group mean weight gains decreased gradually following self-efficacy training. However, control group mean weight gains decreased only slightly over time. These results were statistically significant when baseline differences controlled for (P < 0.05).

The study supports the effectiveness of the self-efficacy training in controlling mean body weight gains of end-stage renal disease patients receiving haemodialysis.