Perceptions and knowledge of patients with Chronic Kidney Disease under conservative treatment

Abstract

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is an irreversible and progressive syndrome of the glomerular, tubular and endocrine functions of the kidneys. There are evidences that adequate and early interventions can retard its progression. Objectives: to identify e characterize patients under conservative treatment and identify their perceptions and knowledge about CKD and treatments. The methodological framework used was the thematic oral history, in for data collection, which was carried out between August and September 2007. Among the 20 patients interviewed in the uremia outpatient clinic at Hospital das Clínicas in Ribeirão Preto, 12 (60%) were men and 8 (40%) women, aged 58,6 years in average. Among the comorbidities, the high number of patients with hypertension (85%) and diabetes (45%) is highlighted. From interviews emerging three categories: 1) Inaccurate concepts about CKD; 2) Current treatment; 3) Future treatment. Conclusion: most patients under conservative treatment have insufficient information about CKD and treatments, what can interfere in adhesion and, consequently, accelerate disease progression. The need of building an educative approach as strategy to stimulate patients to adhere to conservative therapy is shown, thus reducing morbidity and mortality in the beginning and during dialysis treatment.