ABSTRACT

Hemodialysis is the most commonly used method to treat end stage renal disease. In this treatment method, restricted fluid intake and diet, dependence on a machine and changes in lifestyle may affect the patient. Patients may therefore have difficulty in adherence to treatment. Providing adherence to treatment in hemodialysis patients is a significant problem in terms of health status and quality of life. Rates of 50% or higher have been reported in not to adhere to treatment in hemodialysis patients. Handling the factors affecting adherence to treatment for the patients may provide better health outcomes increasing the efficiency of treatment. Removal of factors inhibiting adherence to treatment using a patient-centered approach, and use of ongoing education and cognitive- behavioral strategies may increase adherence. In this review, adherence to treatment and factors affecting adherence in hemodialysis patients are reviewed, and suggestions on this topic are discussed.