An assessment of the renal patient’s level of nutritional knowledge at the Hemodialysis Unit at the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH)

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about hemodialysis patients’ nutrition knowledge level concerning the management of their disease. The aim of the research was to determine the level of nutrition knowledge related to renal disease, nutritional status and usual dietary patterns of hemodialysis patient at Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH). DESIGN AND METHODS: A twenty six (26) item structured questionnaire consisting of closed ended questions were used to record anthropometry, biochemical markers, usual dietary patterns. The sample size was 106 patients and data were collected quantitatively. Data were analysed using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: One half (49%) of respondents had a misconception of high potassium foods, while 38.5 % had a lack of knowledge of high or low sodium food sources. The usual dietary intake revealed 46% ate foods from animals 2 times daily; 36% once daily and 16% 3 times daily. Only 34% of the participants were knowledgeable about the correct amount of Foods from Animals (FFA) that should be consumed daily according to their weight. Albumin level below 35g/L was found in 34% of the sample; while 12% of the sample population had a Body Mass Index below 18.5 kg/m2 (underweight); 70% had a high phosphorus level and 17% had a high potassium level. CONCLUSION: Nutrition knowledge level deficit was observed which affected the patients’ nutritional status. Multidisciplinary approaches including educational interventions are needed to improve patient care outcome.