Sodium Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behaviors in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis

There is a clear relationship between sodium intake and blood pressure in patients on chronic hemodialysis (HEMO). To date, there are few studies that assess sodium knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors in patients on chronic HEMO. The purpose of this research study was to determine sodium knowledge, beliefs and behaviors in patients on chronic HEMO.

A descriptive correlational study was conducted using an investigator developed online sodium knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors survey. Participants were recruited via nephrology social media websites.

One hundred and fourteen participants completed the survey, the majority of participants (n = 39, 34.2%) were between the ages of 36 and 50 years, 55.3% (n = 63) were female, and 70% (n = 80) were white. Fifty-four participants (47%) could not identify their recommended salt intake limit. Participants answered an average of 4 out of 7 questions pertaining to sodium knowledge correctly (SD 1.5). Increased age was associated with total sodium knowledge (r = 0.33, p= 0.01) and length of time on HEMO was related to total sodium knowledge (r = -0.20, p = 0.04). In terms of beliefs, 38% (n = 44) were unsure or did not believe that salt intake was related to blood pressure and 30% (n = 33) did not feel it was related to fluid gains. Forty-two participants (37%) responded that they were not informed by a health care provider to cut down their salt intake.

Knowledge about sodium levels is lacking in patients on chronic HEMO. Patients may be more likely to decrease their sodium intake if they know their recommended sodium levels. Health care providers are not doing enough to educate patients on the need to decrease sodium intake and reinforce the relationship between sodium intake, fluid gains, and blood pressure. Findings from this study are useful to help develop educational programs to target these knowledge needs.