Effect of a Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention on Medication Adherence in Patient's Undergoing Hemodialysis

Medication usage is the bases of disease management in patients who undergo hemodialysis. Non-adherence to medication regimen increases the incidence of complications among the patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a cognitive-behavioral intervention on medication adherence in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial، 70 patients were selected from Imam Reza and Valiasr hospitals. Patients were assigned into two intervention (n=35) and control (n=35) groups. The intervention group received a cognitive-behavioral intervention including six steps: 1) Identifying the problem; 2) Creating confidence and commitment; 3) Increasing awareness of behavior; 4) Developing and implementing the action plan; 5) Evaluating the plan; and 6) Maintaining the desired behavior. Adherence to medication regimen was assessed using a self-report questionnaire before and immediately after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test. At baseline، there was no significant difference in adherence to medicine regimen between the intervention (20. 77 ± 4. 56) and control (22. 34 ± 3. 65) groups (P=0. 1). After the intervention، significant difference was observed between the two groups in adherence to medication regimen (P<0. 001). Cognitive–behavioral intervention could improve medication adherence in patients undergoing hemodialysis. It is recommended for nurses to use this approach to improve medical care among the patients.