A Study to Assess the Renal Dietary Adherence among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Selected Hospital, Bangalore with a View to Develop Informational Pamphlet

Introduction: Adherence is paramount in the effectiveness of therapeutic regimen. Many of the clinical problems experienced by patients undergoing hemodialysis are related to failure to adhere to given dietary advices.

Methods: Sixty five patients (78% males and 22% females) undergoing hemodialysis in the selected tertiary level hospital who had been given a diet sheet in the past were selected purposively. An interview schedule developed, validated and piloted was used to measure adherence to diet and fluid. In addition retrospective biochemical parameters (serum potassium, phosphorous, albumin) and interdialytic weight gain retrieved from medical records were used as a measure of adherence.

Results: Overall 80% (52) of the people were having good adherence and 20% (13) of them were having poor/fair adherence to dietary regimen and adherence to dietary constituents (P, Na, K) was higher (>70%) than that to fluids and protein (<70%) as assessed by the interview schedule whereas some of them had unacceptable serum potassium 49.23% (32), serum phosphorous 43.07% (28) , serum albumin 66.15% (43) and IDWG 43.07% (28) . No significant associations were determined between biochemical outcome and adherence and also with baseline variables and adherence except gender.

Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients need to be monitored and motivated for dietary adherence.