3. Design and Sample
HD
DISEASE
A randomized controlled trial conducted from June 2017 to December 2020 was performed among 160 HD patients at a 2030-bed tertiary teaching hospital using block randomization and allocation concealment, and outcomes assessment was blinded. The criteria for selecting the sample were as follows: (i) HD program two times a week; (ii) above 18 years of age; and (iii) ability to write, read, and understand the local language; patients with cognitive and psychologically different abilities and limited self-care were excluded. The study population was randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group (received an educational intervention and a booklet) and the control group (standard care at the dialysis centre). The educational intervention for each patient was administered for six months with reinforcement and addressing the patient's queries. This was followed up for one year. A postintervention assessment was conducted for knowledge at baseline, half-yearly, and end of 1 year. A postassessment at the end of one year was conducted for the quality of life, adherence level, and health service utilization. The baseline data demographics were collected with a proforma, knowledge of disease management was assessed with a self-administered validated questionnaire and for measurement of the level of adherence, an ESRD-AQ was administered.