The relationship between illness perception and general self-efficacy in hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study in south-western Iran

Illness perception may influence self-efficacy in chronic disease management. This study examined the relationship between illness perception and general self-efficacy in hemodialysis patients in Ahvaz, Iran. This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 and included 266 hemodialysis patients selected through proportionate stratified random sampling from hemodialysis units affiliated with Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences. Data were collected through interviews (using the Chronic Kidney Disease Self-Efficacy (CKD-SE) and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaires (B-IPQ)), medical records (for clinical variables), and a demographic information form. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, applying descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The mean age of the participants was 57.16 ± 12.38 years, and 57.1% of them were male. A significant direct and moderate correlation was observed between the total score of self-efficacy and illness perception (r = 0.56, p < 0.001), which is consistent with findings from psychosocial research on chronic illness. In addition, the multiple regression analysis showed that about 40% of the variance in total self-efficacy was explained by the included variables (Adjusted R² = 0.404). Higher illness perception (B = 0.754, p < 0.001) and longer dialysis history (B = 0.611, p = 0.022) were significant positive predictors, while older age (B = -0.155, p = 0.001) and illiteracy (B = -3.293, p = 0.036) were associated with lower self-efficacy. The study revealed a significant positive relationship between illness perception and general self-efficacy in hemodialysis patients, particularly in the domains of autonomy, organization, and problem-solving. These findings underscore the need for targeted nursing interventions—such as patient education and empowerment programs—to enhance illness perception, thereby promoting self-efficacy and adaptive disease management.