Applying the health belief model to the rational use of drugs for hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Non-rational use of drugs is a common problem among people with chronic disease. The Health Belief Model (HBM) can develop beliefs and behaviors related to rational drug use.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of HBM-based training on the rational use of drugs in hemodialysis patients.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 132 people receiving hemodialysis treatment. The data were collected using a Demographic Survey and the Rational Use of Drugs Scale (RUDS). Patients in the study groups were provided with HBM-based rational use of drugs training. The first training session took an average of 30-35 min for each patient, and the second (summary) took an average of 15-20 min RESULTS: The mean RUDS pretest score was 60.29 ± 10.17 in the intervention group and 62.85 ± 9.94 in the control group. The mean RUDS posttest scores were 78.80 ± 8.16 in the intervention group and 63.48 ± 9.77 in the control group. The difference between the pretest scores in these groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), whereas the difference between the posttest scores was found to be significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: It was observed that training based on the HBM increased the RUD scores. Thus, HBM may be recommended for use as a guide for rational drug use training, especially for patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Practice implications: The HBM can be an effective and cost-efficient strategy for standardized rational drug use training and supporting hemodialysis patients.