Assessment of Dietary and Fluid Adherence among ‎Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective(s):  To assess the level of dietary and fluid adherence among hemodialysis patients. Assessing the level of adherence provides valuable insights into patients’ behaviors and helps in identifying areas that require intervention to enhance their overall health status.                                                                                                      

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over the period from November 15th to December 15th, 2025, to assess dietary and fluid adherence among hemodialysis patients. A purposive sample of (78) patients undergoing hemodialysis was selected from the dialysis unit at the Renal Disease and Transplantation Center, Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf City / Najaf Health Directorate. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were established. Data were collected using validated dietary and fluid adherence questionnaires. Statistical analysis of data was performed using descriptive parameters through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program version (26).             

Results: The findings demonstrated low levels of adherence among the participants. Dietary adherence was categorized as low in 78.21% of participants, whereas 21.79% exhibited moderate adherence, with a mean dietary adherence score of 0.20 ± 0.13, indicating an overall low level of adherence. Similarly, fluid adherence was categorized as low in 89.74% of participants, while 10.26% demonstrated moderate adherence, with a mean fluid adherence score of 0.20 ± 0.10, also reflecting an overall low level of adherence.                                                                                                                               

Conclusion: The current study concluded that hemodialysis patients demonstrated a low level of dietary and fluid adherence. This indicates poor adherence to the recommended therapeutic regimens.                                                                                                             

Recommendations: It is recommended to strengthen patient education through continuous counseling during hemodialysis sessions, with active involvement of family members. Regular monitoring and improved communication among healthcare providers and patients are also important to support better adherence to dietary and fluid restrictions.