#2805 The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on personal hygiene behaviours and the frequency of peritonitis in patients with peritoneal dialysis

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims Peritonitis is the most important complication encountered in patients with Peritoneal Dialysis (PD). It is very important to follow the rules of personal hygiene to prevent peritonitis. The COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) epidemic has led to the improvement of personal hygiene behaviours. In this study, we aimed to show the awareness created by the COVID-19 pandemic on personal hygiene behaviours in PD patients and to investigate the effect on the incidence of peritonitis. Method Fifty-two PD patients were included in our study. The personal hygiene behaviours of the patients were evaluated with a questionnaire consisting of 15 questions. The medical history, chronic diseases, height, weight and educational status of each patient were questioned. In addition, the averages of complete blood count and biochemical values of the patients before and after COVID-19 were noted and compared. The culture results of the patients who had peritonitis and the microorganisms grown were noted. Results Demographic characteristics of patients are summarized in Table 1. A significant difference was found in 11 personal hygiene behaviours, especially in the frequency of hand washing after the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.05). After the pandemic, there was a decrease in the rates of peritonitis, but no significant difference could be reached (22 (42.9%) vs. 7 (13.5%) peritonitis rates, p < 0.05). A decrease was also observed in gram (+) peritonitis case rates (Table 2). After the pandemic, the frequency of hand washing before attaching the transfer set (p = 0.014) and the frequency of daily/every other day dressing of the exit site (p = 0.026) were found to be higher in those who did not have peritonitis. Conclusion Due to a significant improvement in personal hygiene behaviours after the COVID-19 pandemic, a decrease in the rates of peritonitis and infection with gram (+) microorganisms was observed. In our study, it has been shown that the frequency of hand washing before attaching the transfer set and daily/every other day dressing of the exit site reduce the risk of peritonitis. Trainings for improving personal hygiene behaviours in PD patients should be expanded.