The Effect of an Educational Intervention on Knowledge Regarding Nutritional Needs Among Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis is a devastating and costly disease that impacts patients’ quality of life. Given the severe symptoms associated with this diagnosis, such as sarcopenia and loss of appetite, an educational intervention was designed to limit the impact of the disease on patients’ lives. The intervention emphasizes dietary modifications with the goal of decreasing symptom severity. Thirty-six patients with a diagnosis of liver cirrhosis who met inclusion criteria agreed to participate in the study. The major variable of interest was assessed using an investigator-designed 10-item questionnaire, pre- and post-intervention. Results revealed a significant difference and meaningful clinical change in knowledge of recommended dietary modifications pre- ( M = 4.1, SD = 3.1) and post- ( M = 9.8, SD = 0.43) ( t = −5.7, p < .001) intervention. Future plans of participants regarding dietary modifications were also assessed. Given these findings, an educational intervention addressing knowledge related to the nutritional needs of these individuals is recommended.