The self-care agency in dialyzed patients

Abstract

Background. The number of patients with end-stage renal disease is increasing steadily. The aim of the present study was to evaluate self-care agency and to determine the factors affecting patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Methods and Materials. This cross-sectional study was based in the Turkish city of Edirne. The sample comprised 77 patients on maintenance HD and 15 patients on maintenance CAPD. Data were collected through a self-report questionnaire and the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale, which was developed by Kearney and Fleischer. Results. The maximum score in the Kearney and Fleischer scale is 140, which indicates the highest degree of self care. The overall self-care agency mean score of the participants in this study was 113 +/- 18.33 (range, 48-137). No significant difference was found between the HD and CAPD groups. Variables such as sex, health perception, no complications during dialysis therapy, and maintaining a suitable diet were significantly related to self-care agency. Male patients had a higher overall self-care agency mean score than did women. Patients who maintained a suitable diet, who did not have complications during dialysis therapy, who perceived their health as "good, "; and whose families were not affected negatively by dialysis therapy had higher overall self-care agency mean scores than the others. Conclusions. The overall self-care agency mean score of the dialyzed patients was found to be moderate in level. Compliance programs may help patients and families cope with dialysis-related problems. Patients should be given support in handling self-care capabilities.