Nutritional status of patients undergoing haemodialysis at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania

Background Chronic kidney disease poses an increasing public health challenge worldwide, with low- and middle-income countries facing a disproportionate burden of morbidity and mortality due to limited access to early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. Patients on maintenance haemodialysis are especially vulnerable to undernutrition because of metabolic disturbances, chronic inflammation, dietary restrictions, and socioeconomic difficulties. In Tanzania, routine nutritional assessment among chronic kidney disease patients remains inconsistent, and local evidence on the prevalence of undernutrition using clearly defined and standardised indicators is limited. Objective This study assessed the nutritional status of patients undergoing haemodialysis at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out from March to April 2025 among 149 adult patients undergoing haemodialysis. Nutritional status was evaluated through anthropometric measurements, including body mass index and mid-upper arm circumference, as well as biochemical markers such as albumin, haemoglobin, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen. Both anthropometric and biochemical parameters were systematically analysed to determine the patient’s nutritional status. Statistical significance was considered at a p-value of less than 0.05. Results are presented as adjusted odds ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Results Underweight was observed in 45.6% of patients, and protein-energy wasting in 58.4% of patients. Biochemical results showed low mean haemoglobin at 8.9 ± 2.19 g/dl and albumin at 3.6 ± 0.40 g/dl, elevated creatinine at 698.5 ± 439.31, cholesterol at 183.6 ± 87.73 mmol/l, potassium at 4.9 ± 0.66 mmol/l, and markedly low calcium at 1.3 ± 0.61 mmol/l. Conclusions These findings emphasise the importance of regular nutritional screening and the incorporation of nutrition services into kidney care at Muhimbili National Hospital and similar settings. Tackling undernutrition among patients with chronic kidney disease on haemodialysis is crucial for enhancing clinical outcomes, quality of life, and equity in chronic disease management.