Self-management, self-efficacy and knowledge among patients under haemodialysis: a case in Iran

Promotion of self-management is one of the effective ways to improve the quality of life of patients under haemodialysis. Therefore, a better understanding of the factors that are effective on self-management might help nurses find an appropriate method for the promotion of self-management.

This study aimed to examine self-management and its correlation with self-efficacy and knowledge of haemodialysis among patients under haemodialysis in Yazd, Iran in 2016.

This is a cross-sectional study conducted in four haemodialysis centres. All patients who were referred to these centres were selected. Demographic characteristic forms, self-management questionnaires, haemodialysis knowledge questionnaires and chronic diseases self-efficacy scales were used to collect data.

The score of self-management was between 32 and 80. The mean scores of self-management, knowledge and self-efficacy were 58.88 ± 10.41 (possible score 20-80), 16.15 ± 2.91 (possible score 0-25), 5.24 ± 1.99 (possible score 0-10), respectively. There was a significant positive correlation among self-management, knowledge and self-efficacy.

The level of self-management was moderate among patients under haemodialysis. Effective interventions including training related to dialysis system, laboratory tests and diet are needed to improve self-management among patients under haemodialysis.