Adherence to the Dialysis Regimen, Diet, and Fluid Restrictions among Hemodialysis Patients in Northern Region Malaysia

Background: Non-adherence to comprehensive management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) especially renal diet and fluid restrictions will hinder the effective management of the overall dialysis population. Long-term effects of indulging and overloading on food and drinks which are not suitable for the dialysis patient brings on a lifetime of suffering from a multitude of diseases such as cardiovascular and bone disease which eventually leads to death. The aim of this research project is to identify the dialysis regime, renal diet and fluid restriction among dialysis patients. Methods: This research is a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design. The sample was distributed using convenience sampling method with inclusion and exclusion criteria. 80 participants were recruited. The study tool was adopted from Standard for Private Hemodialysis Centre from the Malaysian Ministry of Health for Private Dialysis Centers. Results: Of the 80 participants, most were female (62.5%) and aged 18–25 years (41.3%). Although almost all (98.8%) adhered to the prescribed thrice-weekly hemodialysis (HD) schedule, a notable proportion skipped sessions (31.3%) or ended treatments early (67.5%). Mean adherence scores indicated moderate compliance for fluid (4.123 ± 1.524) and diet (3.988 ± 1.563) management, and low compliance for the dialysis regime (1.44 ± 0.524). Overall, 38.75% had poor, 60% moderate, and only 1.75% good adherence, with no significant association between demographic variables and compliance, highlighting the need for targeted behavioural and educational interventions. Conclusion: Adherence to dialysis, fluid, and diet regimes was generally moderate to low, underscoring the urgent need for patient-centred education and behavioural interventions to improve compliance regardless of demographic background.