Healthcare providers' support and outcomes in hemodialysis patients: The mediating effect of health literacy

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the mediating effect of health literacy (HL) on the relationship between healthcare providers' support and outcomes in patients on hemodialysis.

Methods: A convenience sample of 149 hemodialysis patients participated in a cross-sectional survey. Mediation analysis with the percentile bootstrap method was used to identify the mediating effect of HL on the relationship between healthcare providers' support and patient outcomes.

Results: Healthcare providers' support and HL were significant predictors of patient outcomes. HL mediated the relationship between healthcare providers' support and patient outcomes.

Conclusion: The HL of hemodialysis patients is essential in the relationship between healthcare providers' support and patient outcomes. Patient educators should implement a multifaceted HL-tailored intervention strategy to improve the HL of hemodialysis patients.

Practice implications: Hemodialysis patients' HL is a crucial mediating factor in the relationship between healthcare providers' support and patient outcomes. A multifaceted HL-tailored intervention strategy is needed to improve HL and, thus, health outcomes among hemodialysis patients.

Keywords: Health literacy; Hemodialysis; Mediator; Patient outcomes; Support.