Health literacy as predictors of fluid management in people receiving hemodialysis in China: A structural equation modeling analysis

Abstract Objectives To explore the impact of health literacy (HL) on perceived benefits of fluid restriction (PBFR), self-reported fluid restriction (SRFR) and relative-interdialytic weight gain (R-IDWG) in people receiving hemodialysis (HD). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in two nephrology departments from two hospitals in Guangzhou, China (n = 226). The HL questionnaire, PBFR Subscale of Health Belief Model Constructs and Fluid Adherence Subscale of the HD Patients Therapy Adherence Scale were used. R-IDWG was calculated by the mean IDWG (from 3 consecutive HD), divided by the dry weight. Results In structural equation modeling, three domains of the HL questionnaire, namely Actively Managing My Health, Social Support and Actively Engaging with Healthcare Providers (HCPs), were directly and positively associated with PBFR. Higher Actively Managing My Health predicted higher SRFR both directly and indirectly. Sufficient Social Support and adequate Actively Engaging with HCPs predicted higher SRFR indirectly. All three HL domains predicted R-IDWG indirectly. Conclusion Improving patients’ HL could increase their understanding of PBFR and be more apt to follow fluid restrictions and reduce R-IDWG. Practice implications A better understanding of the relationships among HL, PBFR, SRFR and R-IDWG will allow for tailored interventions to decrease R-IDWG in people receiving HD.