Assessment of Self-Care Behaviors, Self-Efficacy and Level of Physical Activity of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Background: Hemodialysis (HD) patients’ level of self-care behavior, self-efficacy and physical ability are important to manage their disease process and symptoms. Individuals who have adequate self-care and self-efficacy can adequately and appropriately meet their self-care needs, assume responsibility for their own health and can carry out their daily activities independently. Aim of the study: to assess self-care behaviors, self-efficacy and level of physical activity of patients undergoing Hemodialysis. Design: A descriptive exploratory research design was used in this study. Setting: This study was conducted at hemodialysis center at hospital affiliated to Ministry of Health (Port Said General Hospital) that sited in Port Said city. Sample: A purposive sample of (100) patients was recruited from rental units in Port-Said general hospital in a period of 6 months.. Results: More than half of the studied patients had inadequate physical activity level with percentage 53%, inadequate self-care behavior with percentage (65%) and moderate self-efficacy in 40% of them. Conclusion: Moreover, There is highly statistically significant positive correlation between all variables under the study. Recommendations: Teaching programstoimprove patients’ knowledge and self-care practices to improve their health status and prevention of complications.