Weng and associates explored the effects of self-efficacy and different dimensions of self-management on quality of life among kidney transplant recipients. 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 behavior of kidney transplant recipients. 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 analyzed by path analysis. Participants with higher self-efficacy scored significantly higher on the problem-solving (beta = 0.51), patient-provider partnership (beta = 0.44), and self-care behavior (beta = 0.55) dimensions of self-management. Self-efficacy directly influenced self-care behavior and indirectly affected the mental health component of quality of life (total effect = 0.14). Problem-solving and partnership did not statistically affect quality of life. Neither self-efficacy nor self-management had any effect on the physical health component of quality of life.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: The authors concluded that transplant care teams should incorporate strategies that enhance self-efficacy, as proposed by social cognitive theory, into their care programs for kidney transplant recipients.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE CONSUMER: The authors note that interventions to maintain and improve patients' self-care behavior should continue to be emphasized and facilitated. Support to enhance patients' problem-solving skills and the partnership of patients with health professionals is needed.

LC Weng et al. Self-efficacy, self-care behaviours and quality of life of kidney transplant recipients. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2020;66:828-838.