Applying the strategies of helping relationship from significant others in patients with chronic kidney disease

The absence of easily perceived symptoms in the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes low levels of awareness and treatment of this disease. Therefore, adherence to measures that may prevent disease progression, i.e., lifestyle changes, regular clinic visits, and timely medication administration, is often low among early-stage CKD patients. However, continuous assistance from significant others through trusting, understanding, sharing, and coaching assistance may promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent progression of the disease. The necessary characteristics of significant others include dependability, credibility, and positivity. Significant others may use their understanding, caring, faith, and honesty to help patients face CKD and improve self-care efficacy. This article discusses the assistance that significant others may provide to CKD patients, including warning mechanisms, target setting, encouragement, and feedback. By developing the functions of supervision, companionship, and support, significant others may help patients live a healthier life and improve their medical compliance and thus postpone disease progression.