Factors Affecting Dietary Adherence and Strategies for Improving Adherence in Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is an integral component for successful treatment outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Treatment requires adherence to a complex dietary prescription that changes throughout the stages of the disease. This chapter will review the factors (positive and negative) that may influence a patient’s ability to follow the recommended diet prescription. Factors that may improve adherence include social support from family and/or caregivers and the health practitioner’s knowledge of the patient’s culture, food habits, beliefs, and practices. On the other hand, inhibitors of dietary adherence include the patient’s lifestyle, attitude toward the disease, socioeconomic status, and cultural barriers. The health professional needs to understand these factors and implement strategies for achieving dietary adherence in CKD patients. This chapter will also provide evidence-based recommendations from the American Heart Association that the renal practitioner can apply to the CKD patient which may enhance adherence to the renal diet. Moreover, a brief comment about the use of technology to aid in achieving dietary adherence is included.