Self-efficacy and long-term medication use in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Background: Long-term medication use in patients with chronic kidney disease is necessary to prevent further kidney damage. Medication adherence is positively influenced by high self-efficacy ratings.

Aim: To determine if by discussing self-efficacy scores, leads to higher self-efficacy scores, regarding long-term medication use by patients with chronic kidney disease.

Method: A total of 54 patients, randomised to a control or intervention group, rated their self-efficacy using the Long-Term Medication Behaviour Self-Efficacy Scale (LTMBSES). Their scores were only discussed in the intervention group. Self-efficacy enhancing interventions were used to influence self-efficacy scores.

Results: The intervention group had significant higher self-efficacy scores at posttest (p = 0.013). Transplantation had no effect on the mean self-efficacy. Patients ≤ 55 years had significant higher self-efficacy scores than patients > 55 years (p = 0.015).

Conclusions: Discussing self-efficacy scores can lead to increased self-efficacy scores in patients with chronic kidney disease.