Knowledge of disease management among maintenance hemodialysis patients in coastal karnataka-A cross sectional pilot study

Patients’ understanding and knowledge of the disease condition and its management are crucial factors in achieving treatment goals and in empowering patients for self-care management. It is therefore necessary to assess knowledge levels and knowledge needs among dialysis patients and to educate them sufficiently on disease management and therapeutic regimens. Methodology: Cross sectional pilot study among 31 maintenance hemodialysis(HD) patients. Strata of three groups was developed: Patients on HD since <15days, 15 days to 4 months, 4 months and above. A validated questionnaire covering five domains: disease knowledge, infection, dialysis treatment, fistula care and nutrition was administered to patients from the 3 strata. Results: 16.1% had poor knowledge, 23% had moderate knowledge and 3% had good knowledge regarding their disease condition.9.7% had moderate knowledge and 80.6% had poor knowledge on infection prevention measures.77.4% had moderate knowledge and 12.9% had poor knowledge on dialysis treatment and safety.49.6% had moderate knowledge and 80.6% had poor knowledge on nutrition management for their disease condition.80.6% had moderate knowledge and 9.7% had poor knowledge on fistula care. Conclusion: There is a need for a sustainable model of multidisciplinary educational intervention to educate patients on dialysis, since the cost of a multidisciplinary approach is a challenge in a limited resource setting as well as an additional financial burden for patients.