A novel health behaviour intervention to promote adherence in kidney failure

Health behaviour adherence is associated with improved survival in kidney failure (KF); however, most patients with KF do not adhere to one or more health behaviours. Existing health behaviour interventions have significant limitations and do not focus on psychological factors that are associated with adherence and health.

To examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 12-week, phone-delivered, positive psychology-motivational interviewing (MI) intervention to promote psychological well-being and adherence in KF.

Single-arm, proof-of-concept trial (N = 10).

Participants were adults with KF undergoing haemodialysis and reporting suboptimal adherence to physical activity, diet, and/or medications. Participants attended weekly phone sessions with a study trainer, completed weekly positive psychology exercises (focused on gratitude, strengths, and meaning), and worked towards physical activity, diet, and/or medication goals.

Feasibility was measured by the percentage of sessions completed, while acceptability was assessed through participant ratings of positive psychology and MI session ease and utility (0-10 Likert scales). We explored the intervention's impact on psychological outcomes and health behaviour adherence using validated scales and accelerometers.

Participants completed 78% of sessions and rated the program's components as easy to complete (positive psychology: 8.7 ± 1.5; MI: 8.3 ± 2.0) and subjectively helpful (positive psychology: 8.8 ± 1.2; MI: 8.8 ± 1.6). The intervention led to promising but nonsignificant improvements in psychological and adherence measures.

This 12-week, phone-delivered program was feasible, well-accepted, and associated with nonsignificant improvements health behaviour adherence, highlighting the need for a larger efficacy trial.