Kidney Week

Abstract: TH-PO912

Social Support and Dietary Behaviors Among Adults with ESKD and Obesity

Session Information

• Health Maintenance, Nutrition, Metabolism - I
  November 02, 2023 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center
  Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Category: Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism

• 1500 Health Maintenance, Nutrition, and Metabolism

Authors

• Gunen, Bengucan, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Bengucan Gunen,

• Klassen, Ann Carroll, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Ann Carroll Klassen,

• Milliron, Brandy-Joe, Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Brandy-Joe Milliron,

• Sweeting, Jasmine M., Jefferson Health, Wayne, Pennsylvania, United States

Jasmine M. Sweeting,

• Lee, Joanna H., Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Joanna H. Lee,

• Haileselasse, Jennifer Rachael, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Jennifer Rachael Haileselasse,

• Hingorany, Sneha S., Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Sneha S. Hingorany,

• Harhay, Meera Nair, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Meera Nair Harhay,

Background

End stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients with obesity (~40% of the dialysis population) have unique challenges with weight management and diet. Few studies have explored the role of different types of social support in achieving optimal dietary intake and renal dietary adherence.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured, 60-90-minute phone interviews in 2020-21 with 40 adults with ESKD and obesity (body mass index, BMI, ≥30 kg/m²). Participants were recruited from dialysis centers and patient networks in 22 states, using purposive sampling for geographic and demographic diversity. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. A coding framework was developed by an interdisciplinary team including a nephrologist, a nutrition scientist, and a social scientist. By memoing patient narratives on the role of social support in dietary behaviors, codes were finalized to include sources of social support (family, friends, community members, fellow patients) and types of social support (emotional, appraisal, instrumental, informational). Patient typologies based on social support levels were identified to explain patterns of dietary behaviors.

Results

Mean age of participants was 55 years; average BMI was 39.5kg/m², 58% of patients were female, 35% were Black/African American, 60% had diabetes. Participants reported receiving the most varied types of social support from family members in their household, while also accessing emotional support from fellow patients, and informational and appraisal support from online communities. Qualitative data analyses identify patient typologies based on social support levels to explain patterns of dietary behaviors. Using behavior change theory and study data, the included figure illustrates how social support influences diet adherence.

Conclusion

Social support buffers the negative health consequences of adverse life events and helps patients with self-management, with implications for renal diet adherence and promoting healthy diets among patients with ESKD and obesity.

Funding

• NIDDK Support