Introduction. Health behaviorshave a major impact on the health of humans. Patients under going chronic hemodialysis treatment should take the health behaviors that will allow them to maintain the best possible quality of life. For this reason, it is necessary to know and adherence by them to the principles of self-care. It meanscare forvascular access forhemodialysis, adherence to proper diet, physical activity, prevention of infections, prophylaxisof diseases.

Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to assess health behaviors and risk among patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Material and methods. The study has been conducted in August 2014, involved 90 person undergoing in one of the dialysis center in Malopolska.The study was conducted behind an author’s questionnaire and the Health Behavior Inventory in Z. Juczyński adaptation. Verification of the differences between variables was made using t-test for independent samples, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis test. The level of significance was p < 0.05.

Results. The research shows that patients deficient in proper oral care, which may be a risk factor for infection. Dietary habits of patients are correct, and level of physical activity of respondents is low. Patients unwilling to expand knowledge of the disease and health behaviors. Definitely more healthy behaviors showed a woman.

Conclusions. The level of self-care hemodialysis patients of the vascular access is inadequate, and creates a significant risk of infection.

Nursing Topics 2015; 23 (4): 452–457