The evaluation of self‐care and self‐efficacy in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess patients' self‐care ability and self‐efficacy, to examine the relationship between them and to determine the factors affecting self‐care ability and self‐efficacy in people undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Methods This research was conducted as a descriptive survey study by 138 people with ESRD who were patients of HD units service in Sivas. The data were collected with a Personal Information Form, Exercise of Self‐Care Agency (ESCA) Scale and Self‐Efficacy Assessment Form. Data collected from the study were analysed using percent, mean, Tukey test, significance test of two means, one‐way variant analysis and Kruskal–Wallis test. Results The study results demonstrate that while there is a correlation between self‐care ability and education level, work status, income level and frequency of HD application, factors such as age, gender, education level, work status, income level and frequency of HD application determine self‐efficacy. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between patients' self‐care ability and self‐efficacy. It was determined that as the level of self‐care ability increases self‐efficacy level also increases. Conclusions Hemodialysis application affects patients' self‐care ability and self‐efficacy levels. There is a positive correlation between self‐care ability and self‐efficacy. In view of this study's results, it is recommended to organize education programmes to increase self‐care ability and self‐efficacy levels of HD patients and prepare comprehensive plans including patients' families.