Determinants of moderate-to-high physical activity levels in hemodialysis patients: A multicenter cross-sectional study

Moderate physical activity is related to reduced mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, most hemodialysis patients have low physical activity levels for complex reasons. This study investigated the determinants of moderate-to-high physical activity levels and whether psychosocial correlates are associated with engagement in moderate-to-high physical activity among hemodialysis patients. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 134 hemodialysis outpatients, aged 64.7 years, in three hemodialysis centers in Taiwan. Data on sociodemographics, comorbidities, lifestyles, and psychosocial correlates, including perceived benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy of physical activity, were collected. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results showed that patients with moderate-to-high physical activity levels constituted a significantly lower proportion of current smokers and had fewer perceived physical activity barriers and higher self-efficacy of physical activity compared with those with low levels. After adjusting for potential sociodemographic covariates, current employment, nonsmoking status, and high self-efficacy of physical activity were significantly associated with moderate-to-high physical activity levels. Developing strategies to improve the self-efficacy of physical activity, support employment, and enhance anti-smoking campaigns in hemodialysis patients can help them engage in moderate-to-high levels of physical activity.