Background & Aim: Medication usage is the bases of disease management in patients who undergo hemodialysis. Non-adherence to medication regimen increases the incidence of complications among the patients . The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a cognitive-behavioral intervention on medication adherence in patients undergoing hemodialysis .

  Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial, 70 patients were selected from Imam Reza and Valiasr hospitals. Patients were assigned into two intervention (n=35) and control (n=35) groups. The intervention group received a cognitive-behavioral intervention including six steps: 1) Identifying the problem 2) Creating confidence and commitment 3) Increasing awareness of behavior 4) Developing and implementing the action plan 5) Evaluating the plan and 6) Maintaining the desired behavior. Adherence to medication regimen was assessed using a self-report questionnaire before and immediately after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test . 

  Results: At baseline, there was no significant difference in adherence to medicine regimen between the intervention (20.77 ± 4.56) and control (22.34 ± 3.65) groups (P=0.1). After the intervention, significant difference was observed between the two groups in adherence to medication regimen (P<0.001) .

  Conclusion: Cognitive–behavioral intervention could improve medication adherence in patients undergoing hemodialysis. It is recommended for nurses to use this approach to improve medical care among the patients .