Peritoneal dialysis: patient adherence

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relationship between socioeconomic, clinical, institutional, and attitudinal factors and adherence to peritoneal dialysis treatment in patients with chronic kidney disease treated at the University Hospital of Caracas. Methods: An applied, descriptive-correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample consisted of 27 patients selected through purposive non-probability sampling. A 25-item questionnaire based on WHO dimensions was applied. Data analysis was performed using SPSS v.26 software, employing Spearman's Rho test to determine the correlation between variables within the theoretical framework of Callista Roy's Adaptation Model. Results: Sixty-six percent of the patients achieved an integrated level of adherence. Significant positive correlations were identified in the dimensions of disease factors (p= 0.8970), healthcare personnel (p= 0.7047), and treatment factors (p= 0.6648). Socioeconomic factors showed a moderate correlation (p= 0.4840), while attitudinal factors revealed an inverse correlation (p= -0.5553), indicating that emotional fatigue and psychological barriers erode therapeutic compliance. Conclusions: Treatment adherence primarily depends on knowledge of the pathology and the educational support provided by nephrology nursing staff. Although economic limitations influence outcomes, family support and a positive attitude are fundamental compensatory elements. It is necessary to strengthen human resources to ensure personalized follow-up and mitigate the impact of emotional fatigue on the success of the therapy.