Adherence to Hemodialysis and Associated Factors among End Stage Renal Disease Patients at Selected Nephrology Units in Rwanda: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Twenty-one (51%) of ESRD participants adhered highly (scores < 80%) to HD. Seventeen (42%) adhered moderately (70-79%) to HD while three (7%) had low level of adherence to HD (below 70%). The factors associated with adherence to hemodialysis were age (mean = 27; 95% CI 26.76-29, 17; <i>p</i> = 038) and religion (95% CI 26.29-60.12, <i>p</i> = 003). Frequencies of education of health care workers about the importance of not missing dialysis (95% CI 26.71-42.56, <i>p</i> = .000), perceived relative importance of hemodialysis (95% CI 20.44-27.76, <i>p</i> = .020), and experiencing difficulties during the procedure (95% CI 20.80-28.36, <i>p</i> = .004) were significantly associated with adherence to hemodialysis<i>. Conclusion.</i> Adherence to hemodialysis is still a public health concern in Rwanda. Health care providers and particularly nurses should continue to advocate for adherence to HD for better health outcomes. Further research is needed to identify the barriers to HD in Rwanda.