ASSESSMENT OF THE HEMODIALYSIS RELATED KNOWLEDGE AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMO-DIALYSIS IN EMERGENCY DIALYSIS UNIT, NATIONAL HOSPITAL, KANDY

M.A.A. Nayanamali^1*, H.G.N. Erandika¹, T.G.N.S. Gunarathne², B.M.D.B. Basnayake¹, R.M.B.S.S. Mahanama¹, M.W.P.S. Muthukuda³, U.S.E. Karunarathne³, T.D.K.Thennakoon¹, N. Nanayakkara¹

¹Nephrology and Transplant unit, national Hospital, Kandy

²Faculty of allied Health sciences, University of Peradeniya

³Emergency dialysis unit, National Hospital, Kandy

^*[email protected]

One of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients is noncompliance to therapeutic recommendations. Ideally, the patient should have an adequate knowledge on their disease, complications and management. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of the patients undergoing HD treatment in Emergency dialysis unit (EDU), National Hospital, Kandy. A cross sectional study was carried out during a period of one month. Total purposive sampling techniques was used to recruit patients and the data were collected using a pre tested, self-administered questionnaire. A total of 100 patients within the age range of 19- 83 years (Mean age 46, SD=13.532) was participated in this survey. Majority of the patients were males (78%). From the total, 24% had only primary education, 33% had educated up to ordinary level, 30% had completed advanced level while 12% were degree holders. Adequate knowledge was reported by the 91% of the participants on underlying kidney disease. Majority of the patients (92%) had knowledge about the Hemodialysis treatments and among them 87% was very well satisfied about their knowledge. Even though, 92% of the patients had enough knowledge on Peritoneal dialysis, only 79% were aware about the kidney transplantation as treatment options. Patients had sufficient overall knowledge regarding their disease, complications and future treatment options. However adequate number of patients demonstrated deficiency of information on certain aspects. Hence, both physicians and nurses should prepare information delivery program to patients who demonstrate a lack of knowledge and assess their knowledge frequently.

Key Words: Hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, knowledge