The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on personal hygiene behavior and the frequency of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients

ŞİMŞEK E., Atas D. B., TUĞCU M., VELİOĞLU A., ARIKAN İ. H., AŞICIOĞLU E.

Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis, cilt.29, sa.3, ss.491-499, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 29 Sayı: 3
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1111/1744-9987.14251
  • Dergi Adı: Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, MEDLINE
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.491-499
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: COVID-19, peritoneal dialysis, peritonitis, personal hygiene behaviors
  • Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Introduction and Aim: Peritonitis is a critical complication in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, making compliance with personal hygiene essential. This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic on hygiene behaviors and peritonitis incidence in PD patients. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two PD patients were assessed for hygiene behaviors, demographic, and medical data. Laboratory parameters and peritonitis culture results were compared before and after COVID-19. Results: Post-COVID-19, significant improvements were observed in 11 hygiene behaviors, including hand washing (p < 0.001). The peritonitis rate decreased from 28.8.% to 13.5%, though this was not statistically significant (p = 0.093). Among those without post-COVID peritonitis, hand washing before connecting the transfer set and regular exit site dressing were more frequent. Conclusion: Following COVID-19, PD patients demonstrated improved hygiene behaviors and reduced peritonitis rates. Emphasis on hand washing and exit site care is recommended in all PD programs.