Fluid Control and Its Predictors among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Belgüzar Kara^1,

¹Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Cappadocia University, Nevşehir, Türkiye

Cite this paper:
Belgüzar Kara. Fluid Control and Its Predictors among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study. American Journal of Medical Sciences and Medicine. 2025; 13(4):75-80. doi: 10.12691/ajmsm-13-4-5

Abstract

Objective: Adherence to fluid restrictions is critical in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). However, limiting fluid intake is the most stressful aspect of treatment in this population. This study aimed to determine the level of fluid control and its predictors among patients undergoing HD. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 110 patients treated in two HD centers in Türkiye, using an information form and the Fluid Control in Hemodialysis Patients Scale (FCHPS). Multivariate linear regression analysis with backward elimination was performed to examine the predictors of fluid control. Results: The mean FCHPS total score (47.26 ± 13.82) was slightly lower than a moderate level of fluid control. The body mass index (BMI; unstandardized β = −0.44, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [-0.80, -0.07], p = 0.021), the interdialytic weight gain (IWG; unstandardized β = −7.24, 95% CI [-9.20, -5.29], p < 0.001), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) thirst score (unstandardized β = −0.84, 95% CI [-1.68, -0.01], p = 0.043) were independent predictors for the FCHPS scores, after controlling for all other independent variables. Approximately 57.8% of the variance in fluid control was explained by BMI, IWG, and the VAS thirst score. Conclusion: The study revealed that fluid control is a challenging issue for patients undergoing HD. The patients with higher BMI, IWG, and thirst intensity were more likely to have difficulty with fluid control. A greater understanding of fluid control and its related factors could contribute to developing tailored interventions.

Keywords:
body fluids body mass index hemodialysis thirst weight gain

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