Self-Care Practices among Patients on Hemodialysis Aged between 20-70 Years at Parirenyatwa Renal Unit, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Introduction and Background: End Stage Renal Disease is a public health problem which is becoming increasingly recognized worldwide. Even though the outcome for the patients with End Stage Renal Disease is positively altered by haemodialysis, the patient should be involved in a complex and comprehensive management over and above dialysis. The aim of the study was to determine self- care practices in diet and fluid intake among patients on haemodialysis aged between 20-70 years at Parirenyatwa Renal Unit, Zimbabwe. Materials and Methods: This study utilized a descriptive, cross sectional quantitative study design. Convenient sampling was used to select 30 participants from an accessible population of haemodialysis patients aged 20-70 years at Parirenyatwa Renal Unit. Data was collected using a questionnaire. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics; frequencies, percentages, means and modes which was followed by proper narrative description of data in words. Results: The age range of participants was between 25 and 64 years. There were 17males and 13 females. A total of 63%of the individuals experienced poor self- care practices in relation to diet and 83% in fluid restrictions. The researcher exported the relation between self -care practices and demographics. Self- care practices among patients on haemodialysis is not well documented in literature. Conclusion and Recommendations: Poor self -care in diet and fluid restrictions is prevalent among patients on haemodialysis and is associated with poor quality of life. Based on these results, regular training and information regarding diet and fluid restrictions must be provided to individuals on haemodialysis.