Developing a nutrition education package for Malaysian hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Objective: To develop an education package with uniform nutrition messages appropriate for Malaysian patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Nutritional problems and socioeconomic, ethnic, cultural, and religious factors influencing food habits of HD patients were considered in planning the package. The package comprised a Flipchart and 55 food Fotocards. The Flipchart used a modular format to target nutrition education in stages. The food Fotocards were designed to help the patient plan a daily menu and enjoy greater food variety. Photographs related to common food servings carried symbols for significant nutrient sources of energy, protein, fat, sodium, potassium, and phosphate. A traffic-light color system quantified potassium and phosphate content. The package was evaluated by 25 respondents, composed of nephrologists, nurses, dietitians, and patients. Results: Eighty percent of evaluators rated the Flipchart as good and 20% rated it as excellent, whereas 28% rated the Food Fotocards as good and 72% rated them as as excellent. Conclusion: This package is a useful nutrition education tool for both health educators and dietitians to present first-line nutrition advice to patients undergoing hemodialysis. © 2001 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.