FROM ACCEPTANCE TO ADHERENCE: UNVEILING PATTERNS IN DIALYSIS PATIENT CARE IN THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Abstract – The study focused on the Acceptance of the Condition and Medication Adherence of Dialysis Patients. The study utilized descriptive Correlational Design. Moreover, the study was conducted at a selected dialysis center in Cebu City, catering to a diverse dialysis patient demographic. Participants will include adult patients (aged 18 years and above) diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), undergoing regular dialysis treatment at the selected centers. The inclusion criteria will encompass patients who have been undergoing dialysis for at least three years. Likewise, a structured questionnaire, based on validated scales like the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) by Felton et al. (1984) and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (2008), will be used to measure the patient's acceptance of their condition and their adherence to medication regimens. The study yielded that the sickness condition is accepted to a high degree and most of the respondents have a high level of adherence. The study also found a strong, positive correlation between individuals' acceptance of their disease condition and their medication adherence.