Participants and recruitment
death, illness
All participants were HPs. The sample size was computed using the following formula based on the findings of Lim et al. [For sampling, the first researcher identified eligible HPs with the help of nurses. Participants of FCEPG were recruited exclusively from the morning shift and CG from the evening shift to prevent contamination. After assigning a number to each eligible HP, the numbered HPs in the morning shift were randomly assigned to FCEPG and in the evening shift to CG by casting lots. The selection of participants continued until the target sample size was reached. The two groups were matched in terms of age and gender. All participants were included in the study at the end of data collection.Inclusion criteria were: minimum age of 35 and maximum age of 70 years, serum phosphorus level of more than 5.5 mg/dl over the last six months, presence of a first- or second-degree family member (father, mother, sibling, spouse, child, son/daughter-in-law) as the constant FCG providing care for at least six months during the dialysis session and at home, no mental illness in HP or FCG based on their report, and HP or FCG not simultaneously participating in another educational program related to diet or medication. Exclusion criteria were: HP or FCG not wanting to continue participating in the study, HP or FCG not participating in education sessions after enrollment (absence in two sessions), and deterioration of the physical condition, hospitalization, or death of HP.