Structural Equation Modeling of Treatment Adherence Based on General Health and Demographic Characteristics in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Background: A complete adherence to treatment is essential for patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. This health behavior is the product of various overlapping variables that may change over time. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate treatment adherence based on general health and demographic characteristics among hemodialysis patients. Methods: This was a descriptive-correlation research conducted based on structural equation modeling. The population included all patients with chronic kidney disease in Tehran, Iran, of whom 200 patients undergoing hemodialysis admitted to 2 medical centers from September to March 2022 were selected by convenience sampling. The data were collected using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and End-Stage Renal Disease Adherence Questionnaire (ESRD-AQ). The data were analyzed using correlation analysis and path analysis in SPSS v. 19 and SmartPLS v. 3. Results: The results showed the direct and significant effect of general health (P = 0.001) and age (P = 0.017) on treatment adherence. However, sex, marital status, level of education, and duration of dialysis treatment had no significant effect on treatment adherence. Conclusions: Considering the power of general health and age in predicting treatment adherence, these two variables can be included in training, clinical, and psychological interventions.