Nutritional and exercise needs in clients on haemodialysis

Abstract

Haemodialysis (HD) is more successful in clients who manage to meet their needs (Banerjee et al, 2004). Clients on HD have various needs, including both nutritional and exercise needs. Garrow et al (2000) identified a number of nutritional needs which include the monitoring of fluid and salt intake and protein intake which are important to control urea, electrolytes and systemic fluid levels. On the other hand exercise helps in improving physical function and also in enhancing urea clearances (Painter et al, 2002; Kong et al, 1999). The aim of the study is to discover the perceptions of clients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) on Haemodialysis regarding their nutritional and exercise needs. This small scale quantitative study used a semi-structured face-to-face interview which collected quantitative data from a random sample of 10 clients on Haemodialysis. The audio-taped interviews underwent content analysis.