A study on the information–motivation–behavioural skills model among Chinese adults with peritoneal dialysis

Aim and objective To examine whether the information–motivation–behavioural skills model could predict self‐care behaviour among Chinese peritoneal dialysis patients. Background Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment performed by patients or their caregivers in their own home. It is important to implement theory‐based projects to increase the self‐care of patients with peritoneal dialysis. The information–motivation–behavioural model has been verified in diverse populations as a comprehensive, effective model to guide the design, implementation and evaluation of self‐care programmes. Design A cross‐sectional, observational study. Methods A total of 201 adults with peritoneal dialysis were recruited at a 3A grade hospital in China. Participant data were collected on demographics, self‐care information (knowledge), social support (social motivation), self‐care attitude (personal motivation), self‐efficacy (behaviour skills) and self‐care behaviour. We also collected data on whether the recruited patients had peritoneal dialysis‐associated peritonitis from electronic medical records. Measured variable path analysis was performed using mplus 7.4 to identify the information–motivation–behavioural model. Results Self‐efficacy, information and social motivation predict peritoneal dialysis self‐care behaviour directly. Information and personal support affect self‐care behaviour through self‐efficacy, whereas peritoneal dialysis self‐care behaviour has a direct effect on the prevention of peritoneal dialysis‐associated peritonitis. Conclusions The information–motivation–behavioural model is an appropriate and applicable model to explain and predict the self‐care behaviour of Chinese peritoneal dialysis patients. Poor self‐care behaviour among peritoneal dialysis patients results in peritoneal dialysis‐associated peritonitis. Relevance to clinical practice The findings suggest that self‐care education programmes for peritoneal dialysis patients should include strategies based on the information–motivation–behavioural model to enhance knowledge, motivation and behaviour skills to change or maintain self‐care behaviour.