Therapeutic diet, which is modified in taste, restricted in the quantity and quality of foods allowed, is unpalatable and difficult to follow by chronic kidneypatients; hence, making the patients nutritionally vulnerable. Adequate nutrition education is an important key to diet compliance. It is through knowing the right knowledge, the proper attitudes and practices that patients make appropriate food choices to maintain optimum health. This study measured the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP)of renal patients towards prescribed diets, the interrelationships among KAP and the relationships of KAP to selected demographic profile. One hundred hospitalized renal patients were conveniently selected and surveyed. Results show, although not significant negative relationships between knowledge and attitudes, and knowledge and practices. These imply that nutrition knowledge does not always lead to the observance of the appropriate attitudes or practices towards good dietary compliance. However, a significant relationship is observed between attitudes and practices. The positive attitudes of patients towards prescribed diet greatly influence their compliance which is translated to making the right food choices. On the other hand, in terms of relationship of patients’ characteristics with their knowledge, attitudes and practices, the study shows that educational attainment is correlated with knowledge while gender influences attitudes. Nutrition exposure is positively correlated with the practices of patients on complying with the prescribed diet. The study has identified problem areas for proper nutrition education intervention as well as dietary management.
ISSN 2945-4719 (Online)
ISSN 2012-1652 (Print)
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