Innovative method to dietary education for individuals undergoing hemodialysis: Immersive virtual reality low-sodium education and grocery shopping

Pawelczyk, Kaitlyn

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129300 Copy

Description

Title

Innovative method to dietary education for individuals undergoing hemodialysis: Immersive virtual reality low-sodium education and grocery shopping

Author(s)

Pawelczyk, Kaitlyn

Issue Date

2025-05-05

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Wilund, Kenneth

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

• Wilund, Kenneth
• Khan, Naiman

Committee Member(s)

Karduck, Justine

Department of Study

Nutritional Sciences

Discipline

Nutritional Sciences

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• low-sodium
• hemodialysis
• virtual reality
• educational tool

Abstract

Dietary sodium intake plays a critical role in chronic volume overload (VO) and interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), both of which are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Effective management of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) requires adherence to dietary recommendations; however, the renal diet’s complexity presents significant challenges in patient education, comprehension, and implementation, often resulting in noncompliance. To address this, a virtual reality (VR) educational tool was developed to help individuals on HD in overcoming behavioral barriers that impact sodium intake such as food selection and grocery shopping. This approach enhances nutrition education, focusing on critical components of the renal diet, specifically sodium, due to its impact on IDWG. Through this innovative way of learning, individuals on HD can actively engage with the material while fully immersed in the interactive educational environments. Within these virtual environments, individuals on HD can explore interactive lessons on sodium content, perimeter shopping, and label reading. This program seeks to increase understanding and retention of key dietary concepts, ultimately promoting better compliance with low-sodium dietary recommendations among individuals on HD through this technology-enhanced learning experience.

Graduation Semester

2025-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129300

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2025 Kaitlyn Pawelczyk

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