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.