Stress and Social Support as Predictors of Dietary Compliance in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

This study examined the effects of minor stress on variations in biochemical indices of dietary compliance in hemodialysis patients. Subjects completed the Schedule of Recent Events, the Weekly Stress Inventory, and the Social Support Questionnaire. In addition, two biochemical measures of dietary compliance were obtained from the patients' medical charts. Multiple regression analysis, with baseline levels of compliance and the relatively stable influence of major life events and social support controlled for, revealed that minor stress was significantly predictive of changes in dietary compliance. The results suggest that minor stress may affect health status in the chronically ill by reducing compliance behaviors.