LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE OF RENAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY PATIENTS ABOUT CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as the decrease in renal function. A little studied risk factor is the level of knowledge of CKD and the few publications on the subject show a deficient knowledge; in addition, the population has misconceptions that hinder its management and prevention.

Objective: To determine the level of knowledge of patients undergoing renal replacement therapy in the nephrology service of the Carlos MacGregor Sánchez Navarro Hospital about CKD.

Material and Methods: Cross-sectional and descriptive study carried out in the nephrology department, with random selection of 290 patients over 18 years of age with CKD on dialysis or hemodialysis, excluding those with communication difficulties. The main variable was the level of knowledge about CKD, measured by means of the KDOQI Guidelines questionnaire, which are valid for assessing knowledge about the disease.

Results: 290 patients were included, the mean age was 55 ± 14.4 years. A sufficient level of knowledge was obtained in 58.4%. A Pearson Correlation between level of knowledge and socioeconomic status was obtained of (r = 0.258; p < 0.01).

Conclusions: A greater understanding of CKD in patients improves adherence to substitutive treatment, reduces complications, and improves survival and quality of life, especially when health personnel are committed to training.