Evaluation of perceived stressors and compliance with fluid restriction in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment

This descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the stressors perceived by patients receiving hemodialysis treatment and their compliance with fluid restriction. The study was carried out at Gaziantep University Hospital Nephrology Department and Dialysis Unit between August 2022 and March 2023. The sample of the study consisted of 168 patients who received hemodialysis treatment, were 18 years of age and above, had no communication problems, and voluntarily agreed to participate in the research. Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, Hemodialysis Stressor Scale and Fluid Control Scale in Hemodialysis Patients. Statistical analyzes were performed using t-test, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal Wallis H and Dunnett-C technique tests in the SPSS Statistics 23.0 package program. 59.5% of the patients were in the 45-64 age group, 50.6% were women, 63.1% were married, 26.1% were illiterate, 44.6% were unemployed, and 98.2% had caregivers. It was found that patients' perceived stressors related to hemodialysis treatment were at high levels and they were more affected by psychosocial stressors. The psychosocial stressors they perceived at the highest level were, respectively, restricting fluid intake, having to come to the hospital frequently, dependence on healthcare personnel, the cost of treatment, and uncertainty about the future; Physiological stressors were determined to be fatigue, sleep problems, and nausea and vomiting, respectively. It was determined that patients who were in the 24-44 age group, were married, had caregivers, and did not receive additional hemodialysis sessions in the last month perceived higher levels of stress. It was found that the patients' compliance with fluid restriction was at a moderate level, their knowledge of fluid restriction was high, and their behavior and attitudes were at a moderate level. It was found that patients who knew the amount of fluid they should consume daily were more likely to comply with fluid restriction. It was determined that there was no statistically significant relationship between the Hemodialysis Stressor Scale and Fluid Control Scale mean scores. It was recommended that hemodialysis nurses evaluate patients' perceived stressors and their compliance with fluid restriction with valid and reliable measurement tools, plan nursing care and provide training and consultancy by taking into account the sociodemographic and medical characteristics that affect patients' perceived stressors and their compliance with fluid restriction.