HEALTH BEHAVIORS AND BARRIERS TO TREATMENT ADHERENCE IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects about 10% of the world's population, with hemodialysis (HD) being the most commonly used treatment. Although HD contributes to survival, it also brings negative impacts, such as frailties and both physical and emotional changes, requiring constant care and causing patients to face various vulnerabilities in their daily lives. Objective: This study aims to identify, in the national and international scientific literature, the health behavior of people who are under hemodialysis therapy. Methodology: An integrative review was carried out, with consultations to the Virtual Health Library (VHL). Articles published in the last five years in Portuguese, English and Spanish were included, while theses, dissertations and letters to the reader were excluded. The descriptors used were: Renal Dialysis AND Health-Related Behaviors (15 studies); Renal Dialysis AND Health-Related Conducts (15 studies); Health Behaviour AND Renal Dialysis (29 studies). Results and discussion: After reading and analyzing the selected articles, a final sample of 11 studies was obtained. The survey showed that individuals reported feelings of hurt, worthlessness and powerlessness. To face these challenges, they adopted coping practices, such as adherence to the hospital schedule, the adoption of healthy eating habits, the correct use of medications, the reduction of exposure to external people, and the search for comfort in religious beliefs to relieve the pain and burden of chronic disease. A deficit of knowledge about the disease was also identified, which contributes to inappropriate self-care behaviors. Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients often deal with emotional and social issues, needing awareness and psychological support to face their feelings and ensure treatment adherence.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.041-032