Makassar, Indonesia July 08 2026/PMN-RG/ – Every day, he sits beside a dialysis machine, watching his blood flow in and out of tubes. For hours, he waits quiet, tired, and thirsty.
But he cannot drink.
For patients undergoing hemodialysis, survival is not just about treatment. It is about discipline—strict diets, limited fluids, and constant self-control. Even a small mistake, like drinking too much water, can lead to serious complications, including shortness of breath, swelling, or even death.
Yet, many patients struggle to follow these rules.
A recent study reveals why and more importantly, how this challenge can be addressed. The research explored the use of the Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills (IMB) model, a structured educational approach designed to change patient behavior and improve adherence to diet therapy and fluid restrictions .
The study involved 80 patients undergoing hemodialysis, divided into two groups. One group received standard education, while the other received IMB-based education over four weeks. The results were striking.
As shown in the results table on page 5, patients who received the IMB intervention showed a significant increase in adherence to both diet therapy and fluid restrictions (p = 0.001), outperforming the control group .
But numbers only tell part of the story.
What makes the IMB model powerful is its human-centered approach. It does not simply provide information it builds motivation and teaches practical skills. Patients are not just told what to do; they are guided, supported, and empowered.
The model works through three key components.
First, information patients receive clear and relevant knowledge about their condition and its risks. Second, motivation through personalized interviews, healthcare providers help patients find their own reasons to change. Third, behavioral skills patients learn practical strategies, such as planning daily diets and tracking fluid intake.
According to the discussion on page 6, motivation emerged as the most influential factor in changing patient behavior. When patients feel understood and supported, they are more willing to follow treatment guidelines .
This insight is crucial.
Because non-adherence is not always about ignorance it is often about emotional struggle, lack of support, and difficulty maintaining long-term habits.
This study directly supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which aims to ensure healthy lives and improve quality of care for people with chronic diseases. By promoting patient-centered education, the IMB model offers a sustainable solution to improve treatment outcomes.
More importantly, it reminds us that healthcare is not just about machines and medication.
It is about understanding people.
For a hemodialysis patient, every drop of water represents a choice between comfort and survival. And in that moment, what they need most is not just knowledge, but support, motivation, and guidance.
Because sometimes, the hardest part of healing is not the treatment itself
It is the discipline to keep going.
Reference:
DOI. https://doi.org/10.4081/hls.2024.13122
Contact:
Dr. Yuliana Syam, S.Kp., Ns, M.Si.
+6281342012733
yulianasyam@unhas.ac.id
