The relationships among knowledge, attitude, and self-care behaviors in chronic hemodialysis patients: A survey in the Hualien area

Objective: This study investigated the knowledge, attitude, and self-care behaviors of chronic hemodialysis patients in the Hualien area. Patients and Methods: Subjects were recruited from the hemodialysis departments of two hospitals in Hualien. After informed consent was obtained, a structured questionnaire was administered to collect data. A total of 60 subjects were included. Results: The findings of this study revealed that most patients' knowledge levels were moderate. In general, participants expressed a slightly positive attitude and their self-care behaviors were adequate. As a whole, the significant factors affecting the knowledge, attitude, and self-care behaviors were age and the level of education. In addition, knowledge, attitude, and self-care behaviors were significantly positively correlated. Path analysis revealed knowledge and attitude were significant predictors of behaviors. Moreover, knowledge could change behaviors by influencing attitude. Conclusions: The results of this study provide nurses with information about knowledge, attitude, and self-care behaviors of chronic hemodialysis patients. It could help nurses plan teaching activities and improve the quality of nursing care.