Abstract
BACKGROUND: The physical activity level of Maintenance Hemodialysis (MHD) patients is closely associated with prognosis and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the exercise status and influencing factors among MHD patients in the Nantong region. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 227 MHD patients from three hospitals in Nantong, China, between June 2024 and February 2025. The Physical Activity Stage of Change Scale was used to assess exercise behavior stage; the Dialysis Patient Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale was used to evaluate exercise cognition; and the Perceived Social Support Scale was used to assess perceived social support. Patients were divided into regular exercise and non-regular exercise groups based on behavior stage. Influencing factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate methods. RESULTS: Among 227 patients, 83 (36.56%) engaged in regular exercise, while 144 (63.44%) did not. Univariate analysis showed that age, marital status, education level, exercise cognition, and social support differed significantly between the two groups (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that marital status, exercise cognition, and social support were independent influencing factors of regular exercise behavior. CONCLUSION: Exercise participation among MHD patients in Nantong remains insufficient. Targeted interventions addressing exercise cognition and social support should be adopted to promote regular physical activity in this population. KEYWORDS: Maintenance Hemodialysis; Physical Activity; Cross-sectional Study; Social Support; Exercise Cognition.