The effects of a nutrition care process on protein-energy malnutrition among patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand

Nutritional status plays a critical role in managing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Protein intake is particularly important, as insufficient protein intake can lead to protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), negatively impacting patients’ quality of life (QoL), and impairing patients’ ability to tolerate therapy and recover effectively. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of a nutrition care process (NCP) on PEM in 66 patients receiving CAPD, who were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 33) or the control group (n = 33). The intervention group participated in four sessions of NCP, while the control group received standard care. The program lasted 24 weeks, with follow-up conducted via telephone. Data were collected through structured interviews, and statistical analyses were performed using chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, Cochran’s Q test, repeated measures ANOVA, and independent-samples t-tests. The results indicated a significant reduction in the proportion of patients with PEM in the intervention group at follow-up (P = 0.004), as well as significantly higher mean energy intake, improved food consumption behavior scores, and better QoL than the control group (P < 0.05). The NCP was effective in reducing PEM, enhancing energy intake, improving food consumption behavior, and increasing QoL. We thus recommend extending the NCP to other healthcare settings to better support CAPD patients at risk of PEM and enhance their overall well-being.