The Correlation Between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Hemodialysis Adequacy in Hemodialysis Patients

Hemodialysis is the most common renal replacement therapy in patients with chronic
kidney disease and has a dose that must be achieved, known as hemodialysis
adequacy. In fact, many hemodialysis patients do not reach the hemodialysis adequacy
target. There are three main factors affecting hemodialysis adequacy: the solute, the
patient, and the dialysis process. Patient factors are important because these factors
can be modified, intervened, and anticipated by nurses. One of the interesting patient
factors to study is the Body Mass Index (BMI). The purpose of this study was to
determine the relationship between BMI and hemodialysis adequacy. This research
was conducted in November 2021. This study used a cross-sectional design with a
consecutive sampling technique and comprised of 84 samples that met the inclusion
and exclusion criteria. The data were collected by using recording data from the medical
records of hemodialysis patients. BMI using post-hemodialysis weight parameters and
hemodialysis adequacy were assessed by looking at the Kt/V score. The results
showed that there was a significant relationship between BMI and hemodialysis
adequacy (p=0.001) with moderate strength and negative pattern (r=-0.362); this means
that the greater the BMI value, the less hemodialysis adequacy. The results indicated
that maintaining a normal BMI can increase hemodialysis adequacy in patients. This
can prevent complications, improve quality of life, reduce treatment costs, and reduce
the frequency of hospitalization.