Lived Experiences of Patients on Hemodialysis Treatment at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Background

There is increasing number of patients undergoing hemodialysis globally. Patients on hemodialysis experience physical and emotional stress due to the changes brought by chronic kidney disease.

Aim

The study aimed at exploring the lived experiences of patients on hemodialysis treatment in Kiruddu National Referral Hospital.

Methods

The study employed a phenomenological design. Data was collected using audio tape recording of the interview from 9 participants selected through purposive sampling at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital. The thematic aspects of the lived experience were uncovered using Van Manen data analysis which included three approaches: the detailed or line-by-line approach, selective or highlighting approach and holistic approach.

Results

Six themes emerged during the analysis as hemodialysis prolongs survival; hemodialysis is indispensable, family financial support, physical limitations, emotional distress and adaptation.

Conclusion

It was concluded from the findings that the patients undergoing haemodialysis are facing a wide range of problems such as physical and emotional problems during the course of their treatment and think that haemodialysis is the only way of survival, and these problems need to be addressed. Understanding gained in this study can help nurses to utilize this information in improving the quality of nursing care and guide patients to provide positive reinforcement for their future living.

Keywords:

• lived experiences
• hemodialysis
• phenomenology
• adaptation

Abbreviations

CDC, Centre for Disease Control; CKD, Chronic Kidney Disease; ESRD, End-Stage Renal Disease; FREC, Faculty Research Ethics Committee; HMIS, Health Management Information System; HD, Hemodialysis; HIV, Human Immuno-deficiency Virus; KDOQI, Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative; KNRH, Kiruddu National Referral Hospital; MUST, Mbarara University of Science and Technology; MNRH, Mulago National Referral Hospital; PMP, Patients Per Million of General Population; REC, Research Ethics Committee; USRDS, United States Renal Data System.

Acknowledgments

Research reported in this publication was supported by the first Mile project. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the first mile project. The abstract of this paper was presented at the annual Research Conference at Mbarara University of Science and Technology. The work reported in this manuscript is based on a thesis by the first author leading to a ward of a master’s degree of Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training Mbarara Grants Office. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent the official opinion of the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training Mbarara Grants Office.