ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE REGARDING NUTRITIONAL CARE AND SARCOPENIA IN RENAL AND HEPATIC DISORDERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY
Background: Sarcopenia is a common yet underrecognized complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic liver disease (CLD), contributing significantly to morbidity, reduced quality of life, and increased mortality. Nutritional therapy plays a critical role in the prevention and management of sarcopenia; however, limited awareness and inconsistent clinical practices among healthcare professionals may affect patient outcomes.
Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding nutritional care and sarcopenia management among healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with renal and hepatic disorders.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire comprising knowledge, attitude, and practice domains related to nutritional management and sarcopenia in CKD and CLD. The questionnaire included multiple-choice and practice-based questions. Descriptive statistics including mean, median, and mode were used for analysis.
Results: A total of 18 consultants were approached, of whom 13 completed the survey (response rate: 72.2%). Participants demonstrated positive attitudes toward nutritional therapy, dietitian referral, and the importance of individualized nutritional care. Routine nutritional assessment and protein calculation practices were commonly reported. However, limited use of validated sarcopenia screening tools and variability in knowledge regarding nutritional management were observed.
Conclusion: Healthcare professionals demonstrated favorable attitudes toward nutritional care in renal and hepatic disorders; however, important gaps in sarcopenia-related knowledge and screening practices remain. Structured nutrition education and standardized clinical protocols may improve sarcopenia management and patient outcome.