THE IMPACT OF CONTROLLED FLUID AND SALT INTAKE TRAINING IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING HAEMODIALYSIS

SUMMARY Background Serious complications can occur when patients have difficulty in adhering to fluid and salt recommendations. Objectives and Design This study was designed as an experimental study with the aims of evaluating the effects of controlled fluid and salt intake training on the intra‐dialytic process and on the level of patients’ knowledge. The factors that had an impact on the training process were also evaluated. The effectiveness of the planned training was evaluated at 0, 1, 3 and 6 months. Results There were no significant differences in salt intake exceeding 3 g per day (p > 0.05) between the preliminary and final test, although a statistically significant change was observed at months 1 and 3. The effectiveness of the training decreased by the end of the 3rd month. A statistically significant change was obtained prior to and after the training at months 0, 1, 3 and 6 with respect to the rates of daily fluid intake exceeding 1500 ml, hypovolaemia, hypervolaemia, awareness of salt‐rich food and correct calculation of daily fluid intake by the patients. Also a significant reduction was observed in the volume of oedema after the training. The patients’ age, gender, marital status and educational background did not have a significant effect on daily salt intake of more than 3 g, daily fluid intake of more than 1500 ml, and level of knowledge regarding fluid and salt control. Conclusions The training was effective at some time points in decreasing salt and fluid intake. This training should be repeated at certain intervals for the behavioural changes to become permanent.