Differences in perceptions by stage of fluid adherence.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine in a group of hemodialysis patients whether perceptions of barriers to and benefits of adherence to fluid limitations, perceived seriousness of and susceptibility to the consequences of nonadherence, self-efficacy, and thirst differed by stage of fluid adherence.

Design: Cross-sectional descriptive design.

Setting: There were 147 participants from rural, suburban, and urban outpatient hemodialysis units.

Results: Significant differences were found in perceived benefits, barriers, seriousness, susceptibility, and thirst intensity by stage of fluid adherence. There were no significant differences in self-efficacy by stage of fluid adherence.

Conclusion: Stage of fluid adherence may be important to consider when designing interventions to reduce fluid intake.