Perceptions and Self - Management for Serum Phosphate Control among End-Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Abstract

Hemodialysis is an indispensable intervention, as it is the principal modality for the removal of excrement form the body, thereby prolonging both the lifespan and quality of life of patients. This descriptive study aimed to: (1) examine the perceived susceptibility to hyperphosphatemia, perceived severity of hyperphosphatemia, perceived benefits of phosphate-control behaviors, and self-management behaviors for phosphate control among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis; and (2) investigate the relationships between demographic, perceived the susceptibility to hyperphosphatemia, perceived severity of hyperphosphatemia, perceived benefits of phosphate-control behaviors and self-management behaviors for phosphate control. The participants comprised 94 ESRD patients who undergoing hemodialysis at the Veterans General Hospital between April 29th and May 17th, 2025. The research instrument was a questionnaire developed by the researcher. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation (p), Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) and the chi-square test (X²).

The findings revealed that participants had high levels of perceived susceptibility to hyperphosphatemia (Mean=27.02, S.D.=2.69), perceived severity of hyperphosphatemia (Mean=23.67, S.D.=3.20), perceived benefits of phosphate-control behaviors (Mean=22.47, S.D.=2.28) and self-management behaviors for phosphate control (Mean=55.33, S.D.=4.30). Occupation (X²= 156.04), perceived severity of hyperphosphatemia (p=.29) and perceived benefits of phosphate-control behaviors (p=.21) were positively correlated with self-management behaviors for phosphate control at a low level, with statistical significance at the .05 level.

This study highlights that perceived severity of hyperphosphatemia, perceived benefits of phosphate-control behaviors and occupation are important factors influencing self-management. However, they are not the sole determinants of health behavior change. Further research should investigate additional factors that may contribute to effective self-management of serum phosphate levels in ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis.