The Assessment of the Diet Knowledge Level and Daily Dietary Practice of the Relatives of Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the level of nutrition and diet knowledge and the daily dietary practices of the relatives of hemodialysis patients. Material and Methods: We recruited 39 relatives whose patients receiving hemodialysis, and who provided the patient's dietary needs. The questionnaire containing questions regarding daily salt, water, potassium and phosphate intakes was conducted to the patient's relatives. The questionnaire results were reflected to the graphics with numbers and percentages. Results: The patient's relatives had sufficient information about the salt and water intakes, but they were not very sensitive to use their dietary knowledge during their daily practice. The relatives did not have enough information about the foods which containing phosphate and potassium and the clinical situations/complications related to the phosphor and potassium. Conclusions: The nutrition and diet education should be also provided to the patients' relatives. Besides the education, the patients and the relatives should be followed up periodically to see if they apply their knowledge. The relatives especially should be instructed about foods containing salt, phosphate and potassium.