Assessment of Health Literacy and Self- Care Behavior with Arteriovenous Fistula among Hemodialysis Patients

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major worldwide health issue. Patients on hemodialysis need to practice ongoing self-care to lower the incidence of numerous complications related to arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). Aim: To assess health literacy and self-care with Arteriovenous Fistula among hemodialysis patient. Design: Descriptive design. Setting: The study was conducted in hemodialysis unit at Sohag University Hospital. Sample: Convenient sample of 100 adult male and female patients who attended the dialysis unit. Data collection tools: Four tools were used in data collection, first tool: Structured Interview Questionnaire; second tool Health literacy questionnaire; third tool Scale of Assessment of Self Care Behaviors with Arteriovenous Fistula in Hemodialysis and fourth tool Chronic Kidney Disease Self-Care Scale. Results: This study mentioned that 84.0% of the patients had poor health literacy and 81.0 % of the patients had low self-care behaviors. Conclusion: The main findings showed that the majority of the patients had poor health literacy as well as, low self-care behaviors. Recommendations: Increasing patients' knowledge and awareness about self-care and improve hemodialysis health literacy. Applying continuous health education for patients attended hemodialysis sessions.