Dietary intake, body composition and micronutrient profile of patients on maintenance hemodialysis attending Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Uganda: A cross sectional study

Patients on maintenance hemodialysis are at a great risk for altered nutritional status, characterized by protein energy wasting and micronutrient deficiency due to medication interactions and dietary restrictions. This study determined the dietary intake, micronutrient profile and body composition of patients on maintenance hemodialysis at Kiruddu National referral hospital (KNRH), Uganda. A cross sectional study was done among adult CKD patients on maintenance hemodialysis therapy at KNRH. Data concerning patients' demographics, clinical history and dietary intake was obtained using interactive and quantitative food frequency questionnaires. Body composition was obtained using the TANITA BC-351, Japan weighing Bathroom scale and anthropometric measurements using standard methods and procedures. Serum micronutrient profile assessment was done using the COBAS Auto analyzer. Data analysis was done using the SPSS software version 20. T-test was used to make comparisons and logistic regression analysis was done to check for any correlations. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among the 63 hemodialysis patients, 38% were female, with a median duration of hemodialysis of 12 months and the overall age range of patients was 31-40 years. Majority (92.1%) of the patients had hypertension. Carbohydrates like maize flour were highly consumed, in addition to eggs among the proteins on the daily basis. Fruits and vegetables were not highly consumed. Regarding body composition; 75% of the study participants had normal Body mass Index (BMI), the mean muscle mass was 51.94±8.68, body fat was 15.25±7.35, bone mass was 2.77±0.46 and body water was 62.04±9.06. Patients had deranged micronutrient levels especially for Vitamin D, Potassium and phosphorus. In conclusion, hemodialysis patients at KNRH, have altered nutritional status as evidenced by altered body weight for some patients and deranged micronutrient levels. We recommend that hemodialysis patients should be regularly assessed for nutritional status, appropriately treated and educated about their nutritional status.