Analyzing the Relationship Between Nutritional Status and Hemodialysis Adequacy: A Study in Southwestern Iran

Background: Malnutrition is prevalent among dialysis patients and can significantly affect the efficacy of hemodialysis (HD). Objectives: The present study aimed to explore the relationship between nutritional status and HD adequacy in dialysis patients in Khuzestan province, Iran. The findings may aid in enhancing nutritional management and improving treatment quality for these patients. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study included 290 dialysis patients selected based on inclusion criteria and proportional allocation stratified sampling from hospitals and dialysis centers in Khuzestan province, southwest of Iran, in 2023. Nutritional status was assessed using the subjective global assessment (SGA), which evaluates changes in the patient’s condition over the past 6 months. Hemodialysis adequacy was assessed using the Urea Clearance Index (KT/V). Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical tests in SPSS version 22. Results: The study found that 185 patients had suboptimal nutritional status. ANOVA testing revealed a significant difference in KT/V scores (HD quality) among patients with varying nutritional statuses (P < 0.001). The Tukey post hoc test indicated that patients with normal nutritional status had higher KT/V scores compared to those with malnutrition or severe malnutrition. Additionally, patients with malnutrition had higher KT/V scores than those with severe malnutrition. Conclusions: The findings of this study demonstrate a relationship between nutritional status and HD quality in dialysis patients. These results can inform healthcare policymakers in implementing strategies to improve nutritional status and subsequently enhance the quality of HD in dialysis patients.