The Relationship between Perceived Social Support and Adherence to Treatment Regimens among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Context: End-stage renal disease is characterized by a progressive and permanent impairment of the kidney's functions. Hemodialysis is the most common treatment. Patient adherence to strictly prescribed regimens is critical to treatment success. Social support is a critical factor in many chronic diseases, including ESRD.
Aim: This review aimed to identify the extent of current evidence regarding the adherence to treatment regimens and its associated factors among hemodialysis patients, as well as the relationship between perceived social support and adherence to treatment regimens among these patients.

Methods: A scoping review was completed using four databases included MEDLINE, CINHALE, ProQuest, and PubMed, for related articles between 2010 to mid-2021. After extensive review, 22 studies were found eligible according to applied inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Results: Variances in patients' adherence levels range from 23% to 98%. When researchers examined the relationship between sociodemographic, psychological, and clinical characteristics with adherence, different or non-significant associations appeared between various factors and adherence. Social support frequently showed either a positive or no significant correlation with adherence. Conclusion: This study's findings may help nurses boost the factors related to social support that contribute to successful functioning and consequent improvement in patient adherence.