Nurse-Led Nutritional Education for Moroccan Dialysis Patients

Why was this study done? Many dialysis centers in Morocco lack dietitians to provide proper, individualized dietary support to patients. High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) are a major risk factor for heart problems in dialysis patients. This study tested whether a simple nutritional education program, led by a nurse, could help patients better manage their diet and safely reduce their serum potassium levels. Who participated? Thirty (30) adult patients with end-stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis participated in the study. They were recruited from three public hemodialysis centers in Morocco that did not have permanent dietitians. What did participants do? The study was conducted from February to June 2025. Participants received an educational intervention led by a nurse. The sessions covered potassium content in food, fluid intake, thirst management, and physical activity. What did the study find (Results)? The educational program resulted in a statistically significant reduction in patients' serum potassium levels. The percentage of patients within the ideal potassium range (4 to 5 mmol/L) increased from 36.7% at the start to 46.7% at the end. This demonstrates that a nurse-led program is a practical and beneficial approach to help lower cardiovascular risk in resource-scarce settings. The study found no significant changes in Quality of Life (QoL) or interdialytic weight gain (IDWG).