Self-Efficacy, Self-Care Behaviours and Quality of Life of Kidney Transplant Recipients

Abstract

AIM: This paper is a report of an exploration of the effects of self- efficacy and different dimensions of self- management on quality of life among kidney transplant recipients. BACKGROUND: Self-efficacy is an important factor influencing self-management. Patients with higher self- efficacy have better self-management and experience better quality of life . Self-efficacy influences the long-term medication-taking behaviour of kidney transplant recipients. METHOD: A longitudinal, correlational design was used. Data were collected during 2005-2006 with 150 adult kidney transplant recipients on self-efficacy, self-management and quality of life using a self-efficacy scale, self-management scale and the Medical Outcomes Scale SF-36 (Chinese), respectively. Relationships among variables were analysed by path analysis. RESULTS: Participants with higher self- efficacy scored significantly higher on the problem-solving( beta = 0.51), patient-provider partnership (beta = 0.44) and self-care behaviour (beta = 0.55) dimensions of self- management. Self-efficacy directly influenced self-care behaviour and indirectly affected the mental health component of quality of life (total effect = 0.14). Problem- solving and partnership did not statistically significantly affect quality of life. Neither self-efficacy nor self- management had any effect on the physical health component of quality of life. CONCLUSION: Transplant care teams should incorporate strategies that enhance self-efficacy, as proposed by social cognitive theory, into their care programmes for kidney transplant recipients. Interventions to maintain and improve patients' self-care behaviour should continue to be emphasized and facilitated. Support to enhance patients' problem-solving skills and the partnership of patients with health professionals is needed.