Evaluating the feasibility of a mobile phone text messaging intervention on improving dietary behaviours in patients receiving haemodialysis (KIDNEYTEXT)

Authors

  • Jonathan Craig College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
  • Allison Tong 1. School of Public Health, The University of Sydney 2. Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead
  • Armando Teixeira-Pinto 1. School of Public Health, The University of Sydney; 2. Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead
  • Martin Howell 1. School of Public Health, The University of Sydney 2. Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead
  • Vincent Lee 1. Department of Renal Medicine, Westmead Hospital 2. Westmead Clinical School, The University of Sydney 3. Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead

Abstract

Background: Nutritional management is an important, but complex, component of haemodialysis treatment. Novel strategies are needed to improve patients’ dietary adherence and self-management. 

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility of a mobile phone text message intervention to improve dietary behaviours in people receiving haemodialysis.

Methods: We conducted a six-month, randomised controlled trial (2:1) in patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis. Intervention participants received three semi-tailored text messages per week for six months plus usual care.  The control group received usual care. The primary outcome was a composite outcome to determine feasibility, using: recruitment rate, retention rate, adherence to renal dietary recommendations and acceptability. Secondary outcomes included a range of clinical outcomes. Trial registration - ACTRN12617001084370.

Results: 130 participants were recruited from six haemodialysis units in Sydney, Australia. 48% of eligible patients consented to participate and 114 participants (88%) completed the trial. Whilst there was no significant difference in adherence to dietary recommendations at 6 months (p=0.14), there were significant reductions in the intake of specific dietary nutrients in intervention participants compared to control. Compared to control participants, intervention arm had improved fluid management (p=0.005) and a reduction in the number of phosphate binder medications prescribed (p=0.03). Intervention participants reported feeling supported and motivated when receiving text messages. 

Conclusion: A mobile phone text message intervention targeting dietary behaviours in people on haemodialysis is feasible and has the potential to change dietary behaviours and improve clinical parameters. 

Published

2022-07-27

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2022)

Section

Oral Presentations