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Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are global health concerns, with ESRD requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). Hemodialysis is a prevalent modality for RRT. However, access to hemodialysis is challenging for rural patients due to geographical barriers and limited nephrology services. This research aims to identify factors influencing adherence to hemodialysis sessions among rural ESRD patients, addressing travel, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study of 154 participants was conducted from July 06 to September 10, 2023 at Al-Jaber Dialysis Center in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. It included adult CKD patients on hemodialysis who were interviewed to assess factors influencing hemodialysis adherence using a structured questionnaire. Results Our study assessed hemodialysis adherence in 154 patients in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Gender distribution was nearly equal (male = 54.5%), with the majority aged 41-60, married, and residing in downtown areas. Hypertension (43.9%) and diabetes (32.3%) were the prevalent comorbidities. Most patients received thrice-weekly dialysis (96.15%), with family cars as the primary transportation mode (55.2%). Hypertension (43.3%) and diabetic nephropathy (40.9%) were the leading causes of CKD. Approximately 26% missed dialysis, with health issues and transportation difficulties being common reasons. Notably, adherence correlated with female gender, lower education, and family car transportation mode. Social support significantly influenced adherence, highlighting its importance in maintaining hemodialysis adherence. Conclusion Our study identified various sociodemographic and dialysis-related factors influencing adherence among hemodialysis patients in the Al-Ahsa region, Saudi Arabia. Notably, factors such as gender, education level, and transportation means significantly influenced adherence. Adequate family and social support were associated with better adherence. These findings highlight the importance of tailored interventions addressing these factors to enhance hemodialysis adherence and ultimately improve patient outcomes in this population.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Self-medication is vital to public health because it has an impact on people's health and the current healthcare system, both positively and negatively. During public health catastrophes like the COVID-19 disease, this is particularly true. AIM: This study aimed to examine the behavioral response of the community with regard to self-medication during the COVID-19 pandemic in the eastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: During the COVID-19 outbreak from March to September 2020, a cross-sectional online survey of 398 participants using structured questionnaires was conducted to observe knowledge, prevalence, patterns, and sources of self-medication among the respondents in the eastern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: The percentage of respondents who had heard about self-medication was 50.5%, and those who practiced self-medication during COVID-19 were 43.7% of the respondents. Regarding knowledge, 60.3% had a low overall knowledge level versus 39.7% who had a high knowledge level. Most of those who practiced self-medication took medication based on their own decision (34.4%). The most frequently used drugs during the outbreak were analgesics (43.5%) and vitamins (24.9%). Only 1% of participants reported using anti-malaria drugs (hydroxychloroquine). The most common reasons for self-medication practices were having a mild illness (30.4%), followed by fear of infection (26.6%). The symptoms for which the respondents took self-medication were headache (29.6%), cough (26.6%), and fever (24.6%). CONCLUSION: Our investigation showed a low level of knowledge about self-medication and a considerable level of self-medication practices. Therefore, self-medication may be minimized with ongoing awareness-raising and sensitization.
