The Effect of Education Given to Hemodialysis Patients on Blood Pressure and Weight Gain

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate effect of salt and fluid restriction education for patients undergoing hemodialysis and nonadherent to fluid restriction treatment on blood pressure and weight gain.

MATERIAL and METHODS: The study sample consisted of 100 patients, nonadherent to fluid restriction treatment, undergoing routine 3 times a week hemodialysis treatment at a hemodialysis center. Salt and fluid restriction education was given to patients once a week during two consecutive weeks. Pre and post-hemodialysis weight and means, interdialytic weight gain and means, predialysis systolic and diastolic blood pressures and means were measured.

RESULTS: 67 male and 33 female patients were included. The average age was 56.2 ±13.5 years. Mean hemodialysis time was 54.7+-42.1 months. After education, there was a significant reduction in pre-dialysis weight means (p<0.001) and mean interdialytic weight gain (p:0.006). Also there was a decrease in pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure means (p:0.035) after the education. However, there was no reduction in pre-dialysis diastolic blood pressure means.

CONLUSION: If patients undergoing hemodialysis are given sufficient education about salt and fluid restriction; they are eager to follow salt and fluid restriction treatment.