This cross-sectional study aims to assess awareness regarding arteriovenous fistula creation among patients with advanced chronic kidney disease, including pre-dialysis patients and those receiving maintenance hemodialysis, at Assiut University Hospital.
Timely creation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is preferred for patients requiring maintenance hemodialysis. Many patients in Egypt initiate hemodialysis with temporary catheters. This hospital-based cross-sectional study will assess the level of knowledge regarding AVF creation among adults with advanced CKD (stage 4-5 not on dialysis and patients on maintenance hemodialysis). A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire will be used to evaluate current awareness in pre-dialysis patients and retrospectively assessed pre-dialysis awareness in current hemodialysis patients.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
116
Pre-dialysis AVF awareness score
Mean score of knowledge regarding arteriovenous fistula creation (including its use for hemodialysis, need for pre-dialysis preparation, maturation time, arm protection, and differences from catheter) assessed by a structured questionnaire. For patients already on maintenance hemodialysis, awareness will be assessed retrospectively for the period before dialysis initiation.
Time frame: Baseline
Proportion with prior AVF counseling
Percentage of participants who report receiving counseling about arteriovenous fistula before initiation of maintenance hemodialysis.
Time frame: Baseline
Vascular access used at first hemodialysis session
Percentage of maintenance hemodialysis patients who started dialysis with arteriovenous fistula versus temporary central venous catheter.
Time frame: Baseline
Timing of AVF creation
Percentage of participants in whom arteriovenous fistula was created before versus after initiation of maintenance hemodialysis.
Time frame: Baseline
Willingness to undergo AVF creation
Percentage of participants willing to undergo arteriovenous fistula creation when indicated.
Time frame: Baseline
Sources of AVF information
Distribution of reported sources of information about arteriovenous fistula (nephrologist, nurse, family, other patients, or media).
Time frame: Baseline
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