An exploration of the relationship between adherence with dietary sodium restrictions and health beliefs regarding these restrictions in Irish patients receiving haemodialysis for end‐stage renal disease

Aims. To measure adherence levels with dietary restrictions in Irish patients with end‐stage renal disease receiving haemodialysis and to explore the relationships between adherence with dietary sodium restrictions and health beliefs in relation to following these restrictions in this group. Background. Non‐adherence to medical regimes is an important healthcare issue and an ever‐present problem, particularly in patients with a chronic illness. The literature revealed a lack of studies measuring adherence with the sodium component of the renal dietary restrictions and associated factors; despite the fact that adherence with sodium restrictions is essential to the optimal management of end‐stage renal disease. Furthermore, despite increased emphasis on ‘the patients’ view’ in healthcare no study to date has contextualised health beliefs and adherence in end‐stage renal disease from an Irish perspective. Design. A quantitative, descriptive, correlational design was employed using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework. Methods. A convenience sample (n = 79) was recruited from the haemodialysis units of a large hospital. Data were collected using self‐report questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive and correlational statistics. Results. Non‐adherence with dietary restrictions was a problem among a proportion of the sample. Greater adherence levels with dietary sodium restrictions were associated with greater ‘perceived benefits’ and fewer ‘perceived barriers.’ Conclusion. For the Irish patient, beliefs in relation to following a low sodium diet significantly affected adherence levels with this diet. This is an important finding as delineating key beliefs, particularly key barriers, facilitates an increased understanding of non‐adherence for nurses. Relevance for clinical practice. These findings have implications for the care of patients with end‐stage renal disease in that they can provide guidance in terms of developing interventions designed to improve adherence.