ASSESSMENT OF DIETARY KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES AMONG PATIENTS ON HAEMODIALYSIS INA TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

Background:Dietary modifications are recommended in patients undergoing haemodialysis to prevent complications. This study assessed the patients knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the diet that needs to be followed by patients. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted among 106 patients on haemodialysis admitted at Tertiary Care Centre from September to December 2022. A semi-structured questionnaire was used. Data analysis was done using SPSS by applying descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Results: Study showed 88% of patients had good knowledge regarding renal diet.Significant association was found between knowledge and attitude regarding reducing potassium in their diet (p<0.028).90.5% of patients reduced salt intake by adding less salt in diet.72.6% of patients were counselled by doctors regarding diet chart. Conclusion:Results of this study showed the importance of regular counselling by qualified doctors or dieticians which needs to be undertaken to include culturally and individually acceptable alternatives to food.