Self Care Knowledge among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis - Abstract
Background: Chronic kidney disease is a common and rapidly increasing public health problem all over the world, both in developed and developing countries. Majority of the patients with chronic kidney disease on maintenance hemodialysis are not aware of self care management such as fistula care, diet, weight monitoring, blood pressure monitoring and exercise as well as complications.
Objective: To evaluate self care knowledge among patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.
Methods: A descriptive exploratory design was used including 100 patients undergoing hemodialysis at National Kidney Center, Balaju Kathmadu from 29th Sep to 30th October 2011. Semi structured interview schedule was developed and data collected using face to face interview method.
Results: Male predominance was seen with 63%, 78% were literate and 88% were married. Average episode of the dialysis was 216±2.2 with a mean duration of 2.42±2.20 years. Majority of the patients (54%) had poor and 46% had good knowledge about self care management. Mean knowledge score on weight monitoring was 90%, fistula care was 86.36%, diet was 80%, and blood pressure monitoring and exercise were 75%. No association was seen between respondent’s level of self care knowledge regarding haemodialysis and demographic variables. Similarly no association was seen regarding hemodialysis related variables.
Conclusion: Patients with chronic kidney disease on maintenance hemodialysis require knowledge on fistula care, exercise, diet, blood pressure and weight monitoring. An educational program for hemodialysis patient on self care definitely reduces the morbidity.