Avaliação do conhecimento de pacientes submetidos à hemodiálise sobre potássio e fósforo

Abstract

Objective: To assess knowledge on potassium and phosphorus in patients undergoing hemodialysis and to associate with serum levels and other clinical variables. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Interviews were carried out in patients of both genders, above 18 years old, undergoing hemodialysis for at least three months, in Caxias do Sul- Brazil, at Hospital Geral (General Hospital), during the period of January to April 2019. The level of understanding regarding phosphorus and potassium was evaluated through a questionnaire developed and adapted based on previous studies. All participants have signed the Free Prior and Informed Consent. Results: 73 patients were interviewed between January and April 2019. The average number of correct answers was 9,78 ± 2,99. Regarding to potassium, an average of 6,75 ± 1,65 and to phosphorus of 4,64 ± 2,10. Positive correlation was found in specific knowledge of phosphorus and serum levels of this mineral (r = 0,305; p = 0,009), however not for potassium (r = 0,101; p = 0,395). The total number of correct answers and the values are positively correlated with schooling and negatively with age. Conclusion: The patients have demonstrated intermediate understanding regarding phosphorus and potassium, showing less knowledge on phosphorus and more on potassium. Patients with higher serum levels of phosphorus, have shown greater levels of knowledge regarding this mineral, while this association was not observed for potassium levels. The highest number of correct answers to the questionnaire was related to a higher schooling and younger age of the patients. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]