Awareness, knowledge, and perception of chronic kidney disease patients at renal medicine outpatients’ clinic

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Awareness and education of CKD patients positively influence its medical management and significantly diminish the economic burden on public health. We conducted a pretested, structured, questionnaire-based survey to assess the awareness, knowledge, and perception of CKD patients at Renal Medicine Outpatients' Clinic. The questionnaire was distributed to all CKD patients of at least one-year duration after their diagnosis. A total of 200 patients completed this study, mainly from the capital region. The mean age was 50 (17.1) years for males and 42.3 (16) years for females. The majority (74%) knew the reason for their referral to a nephrologist. Nearly 38% of the patients with CKD reported their shock and anger when informed about their kidney status by the nephrologist at the first encounter. Almost 64% of the patients reported having no knowledge of their CKD status and only 18% of the participants were aware that they were in CKD Stage 5, but according to the medical health computerized system, 44% were in CKD Stage 5. In addition, only 50% of them were aware of renal replacement therapy options. Patients and their family should receive enough information and education regarding the nature of kidney disease and the treatment options to allow them to make an informed decision about the management of their CKD. A well-informed decision-making in the treatment of CKD can provide health professionals with evidence on how to best deliver education programs for patients and their families. It may also enhance communication and improve the capacity of patient and family involvement in shared decision-making.