The Relationship Between Care Dependency and Self-Efficacy in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment

This study evaluates the association between care dependency and self-efficacy in patients undergoing hemodialysis, representing one of the first domestic contributions to this area of research in Turkey.

This descriptive and correlational study was conducted in two dialysis centers in Mersin province, Turkey, between September 2025 and December 2025. The study included 143 hemodialysis outpatients who met the inclusion criteria. Care dependency and self-efficacy were assessed using the General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Care Dependency Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0.

Participants demonstrated moderate levels of care dependency and self-efficacy, with a mean Care Dependency Scale score of 55.6 ± 23.6 and a mean General Self-Efficacy Scale score of 27.8 ± 9.33. Self-efficacy was significantly associated with care dependency (β = 0.67, p < 0.001). The inclusion of self-efficacy in the regression model explained an additional 20.7% of the variance in care dependency (ΔR² = 0.21).

The findings suggest that self-efficacy is a key determinant of care dependency among hemodialysis patients. Care dependency appears to be closely related to patients' perceived self-efficacy, beyond sociodemographic characteristics. Interventions aimed at enhancing self-efficacy may therefore be beneficial in reducing care dependency and improving patient outcomes in clinical practice.