Self-efficacy mediates social support and self-management behaviors in kidney transplant recipients: A systematic...

Self-management among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) is crucial for preventing postoperative complications and improving health outcomes. However, challenges such as a lack of physical activity and the frequent consumption of high-calorie foods persist. Therefore, targeted interventions for enhancing post-transplant self-management behaviors are essential. Currently, scientific evidence on effective strategies to improve self-management among KTRs is lacking. Enhancing social support and promoting self-efficacy may be significant approaches.

This study employs a meta-analytic structural equation modeling (MASEM) approach to examine the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between social support and self-management behaviors in KTRs. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, ERIC, Springer, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang, from the inception of each database until August 9, 2024. Statistical analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software, Mplus for Mac, and R Studio for Mac.

A total of 1990 titles and abstracts were screened in this study, resulting in the inclusion of 19 studies. The MASEM was constructed using a two-stage structural equation modeling approach. The analysis revealed that self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between social support and self-management behaviors (direct effect: 0.140; indirect effect: 0.299; 95 % CI: 0.268, 0.331).

This study highlights the importance of clinical interventions aimed at enhancing social support and self-efficacy to improve self-management behaviors in KTRs.

https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/MXBZY(https://osf.io/).