The Association Between Self-Concept and Self-Efficacy in Patients Under Treatment by Hemodialysis

BackgroundHemodialysis, as one of the most common methods of controlling chronic renal failure, causes the change in the ways of living as well as physical and mental health status and leads to changes in the family and social rolls of the individual. All these factors influence self-concept and self-efficacy to some extent.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to analyze the association between self-concept and self-efficacy in the patients under treatment by hemodialysis in the selected hospitals of Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, in 2014.Patients and MethodsIn this descriptive-correlation study, 200 patients under treatment by hemodialysis were selected using convenience sampling method. Data collection was completed using a three-part questionnaire including 1) demographic information and information related to the illness, 2) Beck’s self-concept questionnaire, and 3) Sherer self-efficacy questionnaire. All questionnaires were handed to the patients in different shifts and were answered in the presence of the researcher after he explained the methodology and obtained their consent. Finally, data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using Mann-Whitney U statistics tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Spearman’s correlation coefficient in the SPSS 22.ResultsAccording to the results, a direct and significant correlation was observed between self-efficacy and self-concept, so that with an Increase in self-concept, the self-efficacy increased (P<0.05). The association of self-efficacy with all demographic variables, except the place of living, was significant. On the other hand, self-concept had significant association only with the variables of duration of treatment, the number of dialysis sessions, and family history of disease.ConclusionsAlthough there is an association between self-concept and self-efficacy, developing more regular and detailed programs to promote self-concept, especially self-efficacy of the patients, is needed. Due to the high potentiality of mental and psychologic factors in predicting self-efficacy and performing self-care behaviors, and low level of self-efficacy in these patients, there should be much more attention to educational planning in order to promote self-efficacy. The nurses should increase patients’ self-care by designing and implementing patient-focused intervention to improve the self-efficacy and self-perception of these patients, especially in acquiring skill related to self-care