Improving Self-Efficacy and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients through Health Education: A Systematic Review

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is progressive and incurable, often impairing the quality of life of patients on hemodialysis. Structured health education tailored to patients’ needs may enhance self-efficacy, reduce stress, and improve well-being. Objectives: This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of structured health education, based on the Health Belief Model, in improving self-efficacy, stress levels, and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a search was conducted in PubMed, Semantic Scholar, and ScienceDirect for English-language articles published between January 2020 and December 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs involving adult hemodialysis patients. The Critical Appraisal Checklist was used for quality assessment by two independent reviewers. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria (nine RCTs, one quasi-experimental). Interventions included self-care education, peer support, and cognitive-behavioral strategies. Across studies, structured education significantly increased self-efficacy, reduced perceived stress, and improved overall quality of life. Secondary benefits included better treatment adherence, enhanced autonomy, and reduced depression symptoms. Conclusion: Evidence supports the effectiveness of structured, theory-based education in improving clinical and psychosocial outcomes for hemodialysis patients. Integrating family involvement and culturally adapted approaches may further strengthen self-care and sustain long-term benefits.