| Serum phosphorus concentrations have been used as a measure of patient adherence to the combined therapy of hemodialysis, a low phosphorus diet, and the use of a phosphate binder. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a three-month nutrition education and incentive program on serum phosphorus levels in hemodialysis patients (n = 53) at a single center. Serum phosphorus levels were observed during three consecutive three month intervals: prior to the intervention, and post-intervention. The majority of the subjects were African American (n = 43). There was a short term positive effect with no statistically significant difference between study periods. A mean decrease of 0.1 mg/dL occurred during the intervention phase after the reward and intervention were removed. No gold standard exists, a change in serum phosphorus may not have been the best determinant. |
