Effect of Intensified Diet Education on Serum Phosphorus and Knowledge of Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Objective

To investigate the effect of intensive diet education on the knowledge and serum phosphorus levels of pediatric peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and their parents.

Design

Interventional study using a pre-post design and convenience sample.

Setting

The study was performed in a pediatric PD clinic.

Patients

Sixteen patients ranging in age from 9 to 21 years and their parents.

Intervention

Patients routinely receive a review of laboratory results and a review of foods to limit. For the study, two additional education sessions were conducted. The additional phosphorus education to participants included a computer-based jeopardy game, handouts, education magnets and a hands-on learning activity. A 20 question before-and-after knowledge test was administered to the patients and parents separately.

Main Outcome Measures

Change in serum phosphorus levels and the difference in pre and post knowledge test scores for both patients and parents.

Results

There was a significant increase in parent (p=0.003) and patient knowledge (p<0.001). There was a decrease in serum phosphorus from 2.3±0.68mmol/L to 2.16±0.58mmol/L (7.13±2.1mg/dL to 6.68±1.8mg/dL), but this change was not statistically significant (p=0.256).

Conclusion

Intensive education regarding phosphorus led to improved patient and family knowledge in pediatric PD patients. Although increased knowledge did not result in a significant decrease in serum phosphorus, there was a slight decrease indicating some clinical relevance. Therefore, pediatric PD patients may benefit from intensive on-going diet education sessions.