Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis Regarding the Hemodialysis and Its Complications

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding hemodialysis and its complications in a tertiary care setting. Study design: Cross-sectional observational study. Setting: Nephrology Department and Dialysis Unit of Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Period: November 2024 to April 2025. Methods: Using non-probability consecutive sampling, 148 clinically stable patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for ≥3 months were enrolled. Data were collected using a structured KAP questionnaire and analyzed in SPSS version 26. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were categorized and compared across demographic and clinical variables using t-test and ANOVA, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 148 patients were enrolled, with a mean age of 55.74 ± 11.18 years and mean dialysis duration of 31.66 ± 14.32 months. Males comprised 66.9% of the participants, and 57.4% were aged 45–65 years. Adequate knowledge was observed in 55.4%, while 20.3% demonstrated good knowledge. Positive attitudes and good practices were noted in 36.5% and 20.3% respectively. Knowledge scores were significantly higher in males (p < 0.001) and those aged 45–65 years (p = 0.008). Employment, education, and complications like thrombosis and hypotension significantly influenced KAP scores, while diabetes and hypertension were linked to poorer attitude and practice. Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding hemodialysis were suboptimal among patients. Focused educational interventions are needed to address deficiencies and promote effective self-management in the dialysis population.