TO ASSESS THE NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NUTRITION AMONG OUTPATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS

Abstract

Background: Globally, Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the 16th leading cause of death. Patients with CKD stage III or above are likely to undergo dialysis based on their Glomerular filtration rate (Teresa K. Chen et al 2019). Nutrition education plays an important role in improving nutritional status in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Aim & objective: The aim of the study is to assess the Nutritional knowledge and educate the significance of nutrition among outpatients undergoing hemodialysis. Material & methods: After obtaining approval from the Head of the Nephrology department, the study was carried out in Hemodialysis unit at a Multispecialty hospital in Chennai. The total of 153 (N =153) patients receiving hemodialysis were selected for the study based on non - probability convenient sampling method. A questionnaire was designed to assess the patient’s awareness on dietary restrictions in particular to protein Sodium, potassium and fluids during Hemodialysis (HD). Educative pamphlets were formulated based on KDIGO guidelines 2020 and the same was used to subjects. The feedback about the effectiveness and usefulness of the handout was collected. Results: From the study it is evident that nutrition education/ diet counselling will help the patients adhere to the food restriction. This is also been statistically proven (p value – 0.00) for association of subjects following food restrictions for potassium rich foods post dietitian counselling. The percentage of the effectiveness of the nutrition counselling was 61% in patients undergoing hemodialysis.