Self-care behaviors towards coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention in hemodialysis patients: A cross-sectional study

Since individuals with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), hemodialysis patients are among the most susceptible and vulnerable groups to this disease. Self-care behaviors are recognized as the most fundamental approach to preventing diseases, particularly infectious ones. This study examined the relationship between preventive self-care behaviors against COVID-19 and demographic factors in hemodialysis patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 hemodialysis patients who visited dialysis centers affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2023. A cluster sampling method was used for participant selection. Data on preventive self-care behaviors related to COVID-19 were collected using a self-reported questionnaire. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Scheffe's, and independent t-tests were used to analyze the data. The results showed that hemodialysis patients' self-care level regarding preventive behaviors against COVID-19 was high, with a mean score of 61.16 (standard deviation [SD]=10.42). ANOVA analysis revealed a significant relationship between self-care and age (P=0.01), with post-hoc Scheffé’s test indicating that participants under 40 years old had lower self-care levels. A significant relationship was also observed between self-care and education level (P=0.01), where individuals with a bachelor’s degree had lower self-care levels. In contrast, those with less than a high school diploma exhibited higher self-care levels. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between self-care and marital status (P=0.01), with married individuals demonstrating better self-care behaviors. Self-care and preventive behaviors against COVID-19 are of utmost importance for hemodialysis patients. Due to their kidney-related complications, these patients have weakened immune systems and face a higher risk of infections, including COVID-19. Therefore, implementing preventive measures to protect them is essential.