Factors influencing self-management among Indonesian patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease: A cross-sectional study

Aims and objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the self-management of patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its influencing factors. Methods: A convenient sample of 226 patients with early-stage CKD was recruited from 63 Public Health Centers in Indonesia, from June to September 2020. Demographic characteristics, health literacy, illness perception, self-efficacy and self-management were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the factors influencing self-management. This study adhered to the EQUATOR checklist, STROBE. Results: The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 63.45 ml/min/1.73 m² (standard deviation [SD] = 15.34). The average scores for health literacy, illness perception, self-efficacy and self-management were 32.11 (SD = 4.46), 4.57 (SD = 1.46), 183.64 (SD = 38.23) and 76.92 (SD = 9.45), respectively. The influencing factors were education level, monthly income, family history of comorbidity, health literacy and self-efficacy, which accounted for 45% of total self-management score. Conclusions: Indonesian patients with early-stage CKD showed low level of health literacy, but positive illness perception and self-efficacy; these factors significantly affected CKD self-management. Health literacy was found to influence all dimensions of self-management: self-integration, problem-solving, seeking social support and adherence to the recommended regimen. Relevance to clinical practice: Adherence to the recommended regimen is the most challenging dimension of CKD self-management. Health literacy was found to be a major determinant of self-management. Improving health literacy and motivation of patients with early-stage CKD may help sustain positive illness perception and self-efficacy, and improve self-management.