Nonadherence with diet and fluid restrictions and perceived social support in patients receiving hemodialysis

To describe nonadherence with diet and fluid restrictions and the level of perceived social support in hemodialysis patients.

Descriptive survey. The data were obtained from 160 patients in three hemodialysis centers in Turkey between March 2006 and May 2006. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlations, and logistic regression analysis were conducted.

Data were collected by using a personal data form, the Dialysis Diet and Fluid Nonadherence Questionnaire, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.

Most patients showed nonadherence with diet and fluid restrictions. Family members were important providers of social support for patients. Significant factors affecting fluid nonadherence included age, marital status, and family and friend support. Marital status and family support were also the main variables affecting diet nonadherence.

The results of this study showed that nonadherence was more common among younger, married patients, and those with lower levels of perceived social support.