Abstract
Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition associated with high morbidity and mortality, requiring strict adherence to therapeutic regimens to optimize outcomes. Patients’ attitudes and practices play a critical role in determining treatment compliance, self‑management, and long‑term prognosis. Understanding the patients’ attitude and practice levels and identifying demographic and clinical factors that influence these behaviors helps guide targeted interventions to improve outcomes.
Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to comprehensively evaluate the attitudes and practices of patients with CKD toward their therapeutic regimens and to identify the demographic and clinical factors that influence these behaviors. By analyzing these relationships, the study aimed to provide evidence on how sociodemographic characteristics shape health-related attitudes and practices, thereby informing the design of targeted interventions. Ultimately, the goal is to identify vulnerable subgroups who may require additional educational and behavioral support to improve adherence, enhance self-management, and optimize long-term outcomes in CKD care.
Patients and Methods: This prospective cross‑sectional study was conducted in 2025 at the nephrology clinics in Yazd and enrolled 285 patients with CKD. Data were collected using a valid and reliable researcher‑developed questionnaire consisting of 16 items across two domains (attitude and practice). Demographic and clinical information, including age, gender, education level, and dialysis status, was recorded, and questionnaire scores were calculated to quantify patient engagement and adherence. The primary outcome was the assessment of patients’ attitudes and practice levels toward therapeutic regimens, with secondary outcomes examining associations with demographic and clinical factors.
Results: This study of 285 CKD patients found that attitudes and practices toward therapeutic regimens were generally moderate. Education and age emerged as significant determinants, with academically educated and older patients demonstrating more positive attitudes, stronger practices, and higher overall engagement, while gender and dialysis status showed no meaningful influence.
Conclusion: Patients with CKD showed moderate attitudes and practices, shaped mainly by education and age, while gender and dialysis status had no impact; interventions should prioritize younger and less‑educated patients to improve engagement and health behaviors.