KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE TOWARDS CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING THE NEPHROLOGY DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT GENERAL HOSPITAL: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN SOUTH INDIA

Background
Understanding patients’ knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward chronic kidney
disease (CKD) management is vital for the development of targeted educational
interventions to improve outcomes. The study aimed to assess and explore the determinants
of patients’ KAP regarding End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and its management.
Methods
A cross-sectional, analytical, questionnaire-linked interview-based survey was conducted
among ESRD patients attending outpatient, inpatient, and dialysis units of the Nephrology
Department of Government General Hospital, Anantapur district, India. A 40-item predesigned,
validated structured questionnaire was used to assess the KAP of patients
regarding ESRD management. A binary and multiple logistic regression analysis was used
to identify the factors associated with KAP toward CKD management.
Results
A total of 392 patients with a mean (SD) age of 41.06 (11.89) years were included in this study.
Most of the patients have a favorable attitude (72.96%) towards CKD and its management,
but less than half only hold good knowledge (21.68%), and appropriate practices (33.16%).
Factors such as higher education, employment, disease duration, co-morbidity, physical
activity, stage 3 Kidney disease, and family members' profession were significantly
associated with good knowledge. Participants' age, education, disease duration, family
members' profession, and family history of renal failure were significantly associated with a
favorable attitude. Patients’ practices were significantly influenced by education, disease
duration, co-morbidity, physical activity, Kidney stage, and family members' profession.
Conclusion
More than 2/3rd of CKD patients revealed a favourable attitude, but there is a wide gap in the
knowledge and practices toward management. Educational materials and interventions can
be developed and implemented by considering factors identified in the study and the local
needs of kidney patients to enhance their knowledge, attitudes, and practices.