Adherencia terapéutica de pacientes con enfermedad renal terminal que reciben hemodiálisis en un hospital de Guayaquil, 2026.

Abstract

Introduction: End-stage kidney disease requires regular hemodialysis, medication, fluid control, and a renal diet; these behaviors depend on personal, family, and healthcare resources. Objective: To describe the level of therapeutic adherence among patients with end-stage kidney disease receiving hemodialysis at a hospital in Guayaquil, 2026. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive, non-experimental, prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted with 97 patients. A 25-item questionnaire was administered, and frequencies and percentages were calculated from the valid responses to each item. Results: Regarding general characteristics, 88% had received hemodialysis for three months or longer, 25% never had transportation available, and 31% never had accompaniment when support was needed. For hemodialysis and medication adherence, 76% always attended their sessions, 86% completed the prescribed treatment time, 65% always followed their medication schedules, and 45% sometimes forgot a dose. Regarding fluids and diet, 49% sometimes avoided exceeding the prescribed fluid volume, 79% always monitored their weight, 55% sometimes consumed high-sodium foods, and 72% sometimes avoided high-potassium foods. Conclusion: Adherence was more consistent for behaviors supervised within the dialysis unit, whereas difficulties remained in attendance support, daily medication use, fluid restriction, and food selection.