Medication belief profiles and associated factors in patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis: a latent class analysis

Background: Medication beliefs play an important role in how patients understand and manage long-term treatment. Among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis, identifying clinically meaningful patterns of medication beliefs may help inform more targeted and patient-centered medication management strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among maintenance hemodialysis patients using the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire-Specific (BMQ-Specific) and the Patient-Perceived Medication Knowledge in Medication Use Scale (Okere-Renier Survey). Latent class analysis (LCA) was applied to identify distinct medication belief profiles. Demographic characteristics, medication-related variables, and perceived medication knowledge were compared across latent classes, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with belief profile membership. Results: Three distinct medication belief profiles were identified: a Poor Overall Medication Beliefs Group (34.5%), a Higher Concern Beliefs Group (33.3%), and a Better Overall Medication Beliefs Group (32.2%). Classification among these categories of medication beliefs was linked to gender, medication usage frequency, family economic level, and knowledge on medication. Conclusion: Patients on maintenance hemodialysis show varied and medically relevant medication beliefs. The correlation between these beliefs and demographic factors, as well as factors concerning their medication regimen, shows that there is an additional requirement for tailored medication education in hemodialysis patients.