Knowledge of haemodialysis patients about Nutrition: a cross-sectional study from Pales-tine

Hemodialysis is the most prevalent treatment for the end stage renal disease all over the world. This therapy can extend the live for countless patients, but at the same time, it can re-sult in many mental, social, economic, and physical complication, which in turn can negative-ly affect their quality of life. Improvement of the nutritional status of hemodialysis patients is an essential component to minimize the complications of the disease. The main aim of the current study is to determine the level of nutrition knowledge and awareness in relation to energy and macronutrients requirements, nutrients with concern during hemodialysis (sodi-um, potassium and phosphorous), and health complications related to poor nutrition. Inter-view based pre-tested questionnaire was used during data collection procedure. The collected data consisted of socio-demographic data, medical history, hemodialysis information and nu-tritional knowledge. The statistical analysis was done using descriptive analysis, Cronbach Alpha was also used to determine the reliability of questionnaire. Independent t-test and ANOVA were done to determine the differences between the selected variables. A total of 200 patients from three different hospitals were involved in the final analysis. The results revealed acceptable reliability for the knowledge questionnaire (Cronbach alpha was 0.71) after deleting 2 items. The mean of the nutrition knowledge score is (5.7 ±1.6). It was con-firmed that education level, patient’s age, and hospital name has an influence on nutrition knowledge score among patients (p< 0.05). Our analysis also reveals that patients has inade-quate information regarding the role of macronutrients (especially protein and carbohydrate), and the dietary sources of some micronutrients “e.g. phosphate”. Therefore, it is important that qualified doctors, nurses and dieticians, educate hemodialysis patients according to their education levels. We also recommended that hospital staff work together as a medical team to provide the necessary nutritional education to hemodialysis patients. Further studies are needed.