Effect of Nursing Intervention on Improving Drug Adherence and Nutritional Practices among Nephrotic Children

Nephrotic syndrome is a chronic medical condition, which requires long-term management. Adherence to drugs is crucial for preventing the risk of complications. As well as the consequence of non-ad-herence to recommended nutritional practices can severely compromises patient health, quality of life and survival. The aim was to evaluate the effect of nursing intervention on improving drug adherence and nutritional practices among nephrotic children. A quasi experimental design was used. A purposive sample of 40 nephrotic children from Pediatric Urology Outpatient Clinic at Zagazig University Hospitals, Egypt. Three tools were used to collect the necessary data included; a structured interview questionnaire, Morisky 8-Item Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) and nutritional practices questionnaire. It was found that there was highly statistically significant difference throughout program phases regarding drug adherence and nutritional practices. Drug adherence and nutritional practices improved after implementation of the nursing intervention (p = 0.00). The nursing intervention has a profound effect on improving drug adherence and nutritional practices among nephrotic children. Drug adherence strategies and recommended nutritional practices must be discussed with nephrotic children and their families to help them comply with medication regimen and diet.