Attitudes and perceived barriers toward arteriovenous fistula creation and use in hemodialysis patients in Jordan

Current guidelines recommend arteriovenous fistula (AVF) as the preferred method of access for hemodialysis (HD) patients; however, its utilization remains low. The attitudes of Jordanian HD patients and perceived barriers toward AVF are unknown and have not been well studied. In-center HD patients in the Jordan Ministry of Health largest dialysis unit were interviewed, and a questionnaire was administered inquiring about their experiences, attitudes, and perceived barriers toward AVF. Of 104 total patients, 93 met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 50 ± 16 years, with 44% being female. Average body mass index was 25 ± 5. The cause of end-stage renal disease was diabetes mellitus in 28 (30%), hypertension in 28 (30%), and polycystic kidney disease in three (3%). Patients had an average time on dialysis of 72 months (range 1-240). Current method of HD access was AVF in 45 (48%) and central venous catheter in 30 (32%). The most reported perceived cause of no AVF was delayed referral to surgical evaluation in 19 (40%), refusal to undergo AVF surgical procedure in 16 (33%), and poor understanding of disease in 13 (27%). Of the total studied group, only 29 (31%) indicated that they received sufficient education/information about AVF prior to creation of HD access. Seventy-eight patients (84%) reported that they would recommend AVF as method of access for other HD patients. The reason why majority of patients preferred AVF was reported as: easier to care for 51 (65%), better associated hygiene 26 (33%), and perceived less infection risk 24 (31%). In conclusion, in this sample population from HD patients in Jordan, majority would recommend an AVF as mode of access. Perceived barriers include lack of timely referral for vascular surgical evaluation and poor understanding of disease. A systematic assessment of the process that precedes the creation of AVF, with focus on areas of reported barriers may allow for better utilization of AVF.