Effects of a nutrition education program on self-care behavior and kidney functions in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease patients

Abstract

The kidneys play a vital role in eliminating wastes and maintaining electrolyte and acid balance in the human body. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidney functions irreversibly decline and eventually requires hemodialysis or renal transplantation. This present study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week nutrition education program on self-care behavior and kidney functions in pre-dialysis CKD patients. Twenty-one patients diagnosed with pre-dialysis CKD in the CKD Clinic were appointed to the 8-week nutrition education program on basic kidney functions, CKD etiology, CKD delaying strategies, and dietary counseling. Primary outcomes were the knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores on pre-dialysis self-care. Secondary outcomes were the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (sCr), sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Baseline and post-intervention scores of all outcomes were measured. Results show that most of the participants were female and aged ≥ 60. The nutrition education program significantly improved post-intervention knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores. Moreover, laboratory results of BUN, sCr, eGFR, and serum sodium levels were stable. Even though the mean potassium and phosphorus levels increased, there were improvements in the post-intervention measurements.