The Relationship Between Fluid Control and Health Literacy in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment.

Abstract

Background: Failure to adhere to fluid restrictions negatively affects the quality of life and increases the risk of complications among hemodialysis patients. In chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease, health literacy plays a crucial role in mitigating disease complications. The level of health literacy in chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease can play a significant role in reducing the complications of the disease. This study aimed to assess the relationship between fluid control and health literacy in hemodialysis patients, representing the first such research in Turkey.

Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted in all dialysis centers in Bolu province, Turkey, from September 2022 to August 2023. The study included 144 hemodialysis outpatients meeting the inclusion criteria. Patient fluid control and health literacy were assessed using the "Fluid Restriction Scale in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment" and the "Turkey Health Literacy Scale-32". Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0.

Results: The mean total score on the Health Literacy Scale was 22.6 ± 10.2, indicating a relatively low level of health literacy among the hemodialysis patients. 54.2% of patients receiving hemodialysis treatment exhibited inadequate health literacy. The mean score on the Fluid Restriction Scale was 50.4 ± 8.63, suggesting moderate fluid control adherence among the study population. 56.3% of hemodialysis patients had moderate levels of fluid control. A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was found between fluid control and health literacy levels (r = 0.456, p < 0.001). Health literacy scores accounted for 20.2% of the variance in fluid restriction scores (R² = 0.20), indicating a moderate contribution of health literacy to fluid control adherence.

Conclusion: This study revealed a positive correlation between health literacy and fluid control adherence. Therefore, it is recommended that hemodialysis nurses concurrently assess patients' health literacy and fluid control and develop tailored educational programs based on these assessments.