Overall adherence in hemodialysis patients and associated factors: A cross-sectional study from Morocco

Hemodialysis patients' adherence to hemodialysis sessions, medication, diet and, fluid restriction is an essential condition to ensure effective treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the overall adherence of hemodialysis patients in the Marrakech-Safi region of Morocco.

A quantitative cross-sectional study of hemodialysis patients at the Safi, Youssoufia and Ibn Tofail public hemodialysis centers was conducted in the last trimester of 2023 using a questionnaire (ESRD-AQ), which was completed by analyzing patient records and interviewing patients during the hemodialysis session.

A total of 199 patients were included in this study. Women accounted for 53.3% of patients, 73.9% were under 65 years, 55.8% had been on hemodialysis for more than 5 years, and 62.8% had an Inter-dialytic-weight (IDW) ≥ 2.5 kg. Mean scores for adherence to hemodialysis, medication, diet and fluid restriction were 534.92 ± 98.71 out of 600, 113.32 ± 50.86 out of 200, 75.38 ± 42.00 out of 200 and 52.51 ± 53.59 out of 200, respectively. Regarding overall adherence, 24.1% had low adherence, 63.8% had moderate adherence, and 12.1% had good adherence, with a mean score of 793.99 ± 151.28 out of 1200. Our results showed that male gender (p = 0.010, ORa = 5.61), young age (p = 0.004, ORa = 8.48), and short duration on hemodialysis (p = 0.001, ORa = 23.91) were risk factors for low overall adherence.

Our results justify the increased need for educational programs aimed at improving the overall adherence of hemodialysis patients.