The determination of adherence to fluid control and symptoms of patients undergoing hemodialysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the adherence of hemodialysis (HD) patients with fluid control and the symptoms they experienced. METHOD: The data of the study were collected between October 2015 and January 2016 and totally 596 patients undergoing hemodialysis were included in the study. The data of the study were collected by using Patient Information Form, Fluid Control Scale on Hemodialysis Patients (FCSHP), and Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI). RESULTS: Total mean score patients received from FCSHP was 48.68±4.43, score of the subscale information was 18.85±2.24, score of the subscale behavior was 21.28±3.23, and score of the subscale attitude was 8.54±1.56. Mean score obtained by them from DSI was calculated as 65.07±2.17. Symptoms that patients experience most frequently were found as feeling tired or decreased energy, pins and needles in feet, and having difficulty in falling into sleep. The patients with high adherence to fluid control were found to have less symptoms. CONCLUSION: It was recommended to assess periodically adherence to fluid control in individuals receiving hemodialysis treatment and symptoms they experience and to provide training and consultancy by addressing those having difficulty in adherence to fluid control.