Effect of dietary counselling on the nutritional status of end-stage renal disease patients

Objective: To investigate the effect of dietary counselling on the nutritional status of end-stage renal disease patients undergoing maintenance haemodialysis. Methods: This study was conducted at the Institute of Kidney Diseases, Peshawar, Pakistan, from November to December 2015, and comprised patients of either gender with protein energy wasting. The nutritional status assessment was based on four categories, including biochemical indicators (haemoglobin, serum albumin and cholesterol), measure of body mass index, reduced body fatness, decreased muscle mass and low protein or energy intake. Energy and nutrients intake of patients before and after counselling were estimated by 24-hour dietary recall method. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. Results: Of the 100 patients, 74(74%) were males and 26(26%) were females. The overall mean age was 41.45 +/- 17.44 years. Dietary counselling was significantly effective in increasing the intake of energy (p=0.010), protein (p=0.003) and fats (p=0.002). There was significant improvement in mid-upper arm circumference (p<0.0001) and tricep fat fold (p<0.0001) after counselling. Statistically significant effect was seen in improving serum cholesterol levels (p=0.039). Conclusion: Dietary counselling was found to be effective in improving the nutritional status and dietary intake of end-stage renal disease patients.