Effect of Nutrition Education on Nutritional Status among Patients on Hemodialysis in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt

Background: Patients on hemodialysis (HD) frequently experience nutritional problems, which can increase morbidity and mortality risk in this population. The objective was to assess the effect of a nutrition education intervention on nutritional awareness and nutritional status of patients on HD. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among chronic patients on HD attending a governmental HD unit. The study included (a) baseline assessment of nutritional status, knowledge, and beliefs regarding nutritional recommendations for hemodialysis; (b) structured nutrition education sessions; and (c) reassessment of nutritional status, knowledge, and beliefs three months after the intervention. Nutritional assessment included anthropometric and biochemical measurements, evaluation of lower limb oedema, 24-hour dietary recall, and the Malnutrition–Inflammation Score (MIS). Results: A total 54 patients were included; 53.7% were females, 51.9% aged less than 50 years. The intervention led to significant improvements in the knowledge score (from 32.05±7.02 to 48.96±4.39, p<0.001) and Health Belief Model scores (from 148.00±24.68 to 156.83±14.65, p=0.049). For nutritional status, there was a marked reduction in MIS (from 7.12±1.70 to 4.16±1.66, p<0.001) and lower limb oedema (from 48.1% to 25.9%, p= 0.004) as well as improvements in anthropometric measurements and serum bilirubin levels. Conclusions: Nutrition education significantly improved the nutritional status, knowledge, and beliefs of patients on HD. Physicians and nurses involved in daily patient care can be pivotal in educational activities. The presence of clinical nutritionists in HD units is crucial for ongoing dietary counselling and personalizing dietary regimens.