Background First step in chronic dialysis is establishing a suitable dialysis access.
Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) has been known as the gold standard for hemodialysis; and many
factors affect its survival time. Aim of the study: was to assess factors affecting AVF survival
among the hemodialysis patients. Subjects: A convenient sample of all available nurses (30 nurses)
working in hemodialysis unit at Assuit University Hospital and a convenient sample of adult
patients with AVF in the previously mentioned unit were selected. Research Design: A descriptive
exploratory research design was used in this study. It is a type of research that describes a
population, situation, or phenomenon that is being studied. This is mainly because it is important to
have a proper understanding of what a research problem is about before investigating why it exists
in the first place. Tools: three tools used in the current study: self-administration questionnaire,
observational checklist, and patients assessment sheet. Results: 40% of studied nurses had
unsatisfactory level of knowledge about AVF care, 56.7% of them had unsatisfactory level of
practice about AVF care and 48.7% of studied patients had unsatisfactory level about self – care
behavior. Conclusion: The result of this study concluded that many factors affecting AVF survival
time, whereas more than half of the studied nurses had unsatisfactory level of knowledge and
practice regarding AVF care. Also, around half of the studied patients had satisfactory level of self
care behavior Moreover, from the studied nurses' point of view, most of them reported that other ;
nurses related factors had high effect, followed by environmental related factors and patients related
factors Recommendation: Providing continous in-service training and regular educational
programs regarding AVF care for the studied nurses in hemodialysis unit