Nutritional knowledge of patients with end stage renal disease on haemodialysi

Abstract

Nutrition is an important aspect in the treatment of patients with end stage renal disease on haemodialysis. This led the student researcher to carry out a small scale study to explore the nutritional knowledge of patients with end stage renal disease on haemodialysis. A descriptive non-experimental design was carried out using quantitative and qualitative data obtained through a self administered questionnaire. The sample recruited was a convenience sample of 24 Maltese haemodialysis patients at the Renal Unit of St. Luke's Hospital with a response rate of 83.3% (n=20). 16 respondents were male and 4 were female aged 29 to 72 and over. The findings indicated that patients appear to be knowledgeable about their dietary needs, although the patients' experience on haemodialysis varied between 6 months to 7 years. However new patients on haemodialysis had limited dietary knowledge. Maltese patients also highlighted that dietary limitations may yield social isolation. It is argued that adequate knowledge does not signify compliance. Results also highlighted the role of nurses as educators, the importance of involving families in patients' care, and the positive impact of ongoing education on patients' knowledge. Involving families in patients' care, and giving constant support and information to patients has been indicated in this study and supported by research. Thus this study suggests that patients are well educated to have adequate dietary knowledge and recommends that more research is needed to further understand the impact the dietary limitations have on these patients.