Evaluation of the relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors and fluid control in hemodialysis patients

Healthy lifestyle behaviors are important for fluid control, which directly affects the treatment of hemodialysis patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviors and fluid control in hemodialysis patients. The cross-sectional and descriptive study included 155 patients from Sorgun State Hospital, Yozgat City Hospital, and Private Gök Medrese Dialysis Center between 2022-2023. Data were collected using a questionnaire method with a Patient Introduction Form, the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II, and the Fluid Control Scale. Data analysis was conducted using the R version 2.15.3 program with the Shapiro-Wilk test, independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson correlation analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and linear regression. The total average score obtained from the Fluid Control Scale was 57.27±9.71, while the total average score from the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II was 133.29±22.45. It was found that patients aged 45 and above, those with primary education, those with higher urine output, those following a salt-free diet, those with low income levels, those who did not have additional sessions planned in the last month, those whose session duration did not exceed 4 hours, and those with diabetes had higher fluid control levels. Patients who adhered to their diet, had a higher education level, had a shorter disease and dialysis treatment duration, and did not experience problems during dialysis had higher levels of healthy lifestyle behaviors. In conclusion, improving the education levels of hemodialysis patients, promoting adherence to dietary guidelines, and optimizing treatment processes can enhance healthy lifestyle behaviors and fluid control.