Abstract:
This study aimed to identify factors associated with malnutrition among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, focusing on their body mass index (BMI) and other sociodemographic and clinical variables. A total of 229 CKD patients participated, with data collected on age, gender, education, family income, marital status, occupation, weight history, diet type, fluid intake, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The findings revealed significant associations between BMI and family income, occupation, and appetite condition, as well as a highly significant link between weight history post-diagnosis and BMI. However, no significant associations were found between BMI and gender, education, marital status, diet type, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, duration of CKD diagnosis and the stage of the disease showed some impact on BMI distribution, with a greater prevalence of underweight in early stages and a shift towards overweight and obesity in more advanced stages. The study emphasizes the importance of personalized nutritional care and early intervention in CKD management to prevent and address malnutrition. Recommendations include improving patient education, addressing appetite and dietary challenges, and providing financial support for accessing nutritious food. Further research is needed to explore the broader impact of comorbidities and CKD progression on nutritional health
