Patient activation with knowledge, self-management and confidence in chronic kidney disease

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Public Health
• Patient Self-Management

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant and growing global health concern.
• Understanding patient knowledge, confidence, and engagement in self-management is crucial for effective CKD care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in patient activation, quality of life, knowledge, self-management, and confidence across CKD stages.
• To identify how these factors vary among individuals with hypertension, diabetes, and CKD.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive correlational study design.
• 85 adult participants with hypertension, diabetes, and CKD were recruited from primary care, nephrology clinics, and a dialysis center in the Midwestern US.
• Data collected via telephone and face-to-face interviews.

Main Results:

• Participants with CKD stage 3 exhibited the highest levels of patient activation.
• Significant differences were observed in patient activation, blood pressure self-management, and anxiety across CKD stages (excluding stage 5).

Conclusions:

• Enhancing patient engagement in self-care, particularly blood pressure management, may help preserve kidney health.
• Collaborative strategies between healthcare providers and patients are essential for maintaining health-related quality of life and reducing anxiety as CKD progresses.