Geldine Chironda, Busisiwe Bhengu
Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a slow, progressive irreversible deterioration in renal function. Effective management of CKD depends largely on patients engaging with their fluid and dietary restriction. However, limited engagement is a significant barrier.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the level of engagement with fluid and dietary restriction among CKD patients at selected two public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. A random sampling method was used to select the participants. Data was collected through a structured interview schedule developed from literature. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SSPS) software version 23, 2015.
Results: None of the participants achieved high levels of engagement with fluid restriction. Eleven percent (11%) had moderate levels and the majority, (88.9%) had low levels of engagement with fluid restriction. There were only 16% of the participants with high levels and equal numbers (42.2%) had moderate and low levels of engagement with dietary restriction. CKD participants showed better engagement with dietary compared to fluid restriction. Engagement with dietary restriction was significantly associated with monthly income (Chi square value=25.916, df=74, p<0.027) and educational level (Chi square value=28 219, df=74, p<0.013). Engagement with fluid restriction was not associated with any biographical characteristics.
Conclusion: CKD participants showed better engagement with dietary compared to fluid restriction. Despite this, engagement with fluid and dietary restriction was low among CKD patients. Managing detrimental effects of CKD is the primary goal since there is no cure for the disease. Therefore, strategies that foster engagement with fluid and dietary restriction must be devised to promote effective management of CKD population.
