Health Literacy-Based Self-Management Intervention for Patient-Family Caregiver Dyads Undergoing Hemodialysis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a health literacy-based self-management intervention for patient-family caregiver dyads undergoing hemodialysis.

Design: A quasi-experimental design was used.

Methods: The intervention group ( n = 20) received a health literacy-based self-management intervention for patient-family caregiver dyads, whereas the control group ( n = 23) received standard informational messages through a short messaging service for 8 weeks. All participants were assessed for hemodialysis knowledge, self-efficacy, family support, self-management, the ratio of interdialytic weight gain to dry weight, and serum phosphorus and potassium levels at pretest and posttest.

Results: Participants in the intervention group exhibited higher scores on hemodialysis knowledge, self-efficacy, family support, and self-management than those in the control group. In addition, the ratio of interdialytic weight gain to dry weight decreased significantly in the intervention group.

Conclusions: The health literacy-based self-management intervention for patient-family caregiver dyads undergoing hemodialysis was effective in improving hemodialysis knowledge, self-efficacy, family support, self-management, and the ratio of interdialytic weight gain to dry weight.

Clinical relevance: Because health literacy is an important factor influencing self-management, interventions for patients undergoing hemodialysis should consider the health literacy level of patients and their family caregivers.