Assessment of Pre–Post Chrononutrition Education on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive multisystem condition with a growing global burden that may be compounded by circadian disruption and irregular dietary patterns. Chrononutrition, which examines the interaction between meal timing and circadian rhythms, remains under-addressed in renal dietary management. This pre–post interventional study included 50 adults with non-dialysis CKD recruited from tertiary-care hospitals and nephrology outpatient clinics in Mumbai, India. Baseline and post-intervention assessments were conducted using a validated knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) questionnaire, the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), the Chrononutrition Profile Questionnaire (CP-Q), a renal disease-specific semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and a three-day dietary recall. The intervention comprised a digital video, a printed brochure, and individualised one-to-one dietary counselling delivered during a single structured session. Significant improvements were observed across all KAP domains after the intervention (p < 0.001). The mean total KAP score increased from 95.60 ± 7.197 to 118.80 ± 4.986 (t = −18.737, p < 0.001). The intermediate chronotype was most prevalent (44%), and MEQ scores remained unchanged after the intervention. Baseline differences in KAP scores across chronotype groups were no longer evident after education. The intervention improved knowledge and attitudes regarding electrolyte management and may support appropriate sodium- and potassium-related dietary practices. These findings suggest that chrononutrition education may be a practical strategy for improving dietary knowledge, attitudes, and practices among individuals with CKD and may complement established renal nutrition counselling.