Quality-of-life experiences from the perspective of patients receiving haemodialysis for chronic renal failure

Abstract

This study describes the experiences of patients receiving haemodialysis for chronic renal failure at the only dialysis centre in Windhoek, Namibia. A qualitative, explorative and descriptive design was used. Data were collected by means of in-depth interviews and analysed using Tesch’s process.Four themes emerged from the data, relating to (1) financial constraints, (2) loss of independence and spontaneous activities, (3) strain on relationships and (4) feelings of significant physiological changes and weakness. Based on the results, recommendations were submitted for psychosocial support and the establishment of support groups.<p><strong>Opsomming</strong></p><p>Hierdie studie beskryf die ervarings van pasiënte wat gehemodialiseer word vir chroniese nierversaking in die enigste dialise-eenheid in Windhoek. ʼn Kwalitatiewe, verkennende en beskrywende studie is gedoen. Die data is deur middel van diepte-onderhoude ingesamel, waarna die data aan die hand van Tesch se metode geanaliseer is. Daar het vier temas uit die studie na vore gekom (1) finansiële beperkings, (2) verlies van onafhanklikheid en spontane aktiwiteite, (3) druk in verhoudings en (4) gewaarwordings van beduidende fisiologiese veranderinge en swakheid.Na aanleiding van hierdie bevindings is die daarstel van psigososiale ondersteuning asook ondersteuningsgroepe aanbeveel.</p><p><strong>How to cite this article:</strong>Small, L.F., 2010, ‘Qualityof-life experiences from the perspective of patients receiving haemodialysis for chronic renal failure’,<em>Health SA Gesondheid</em> 15(1),Art. #521, 7 pages. DOI:10.4102/hsag.v15i1.521</p&gt

What constitutes a palliative care need in people with serious illnesses across Africa? A mixed-methods systematic review of the concept and evidence

“…Pain and other Physical Symptoms [31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41] Nutritional Support 36,[41][42][43][44][45][46] Functional limitations (Inability to conduct activities of daily living) 35,43,44,[47][48][49] Wounds and wound odours 33,44 Libido problems and sexual needs 31,35,[50][51][52][53] Reproduction (Pregnancy and breastfeeding) 40,51,44,49,[54][55][56] Cognitive and behavioural problems 57 Physical symptoms/ physical health suffering as a result of providing physical care 58 : fatigue, 59 exhaustion, 45 sleeplessness, 59 back pain, 60,61 chest and shoulder pain 61 Neglecting own self and personal symptoms 45,…”

“…Psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, internalised stigma) 31,32,34,35,[38][39][40][41]56,63,66,67 Lingering fear of death and Struggling to survive 41,43,53,62 Worry (about the future, about prolonged illness and emaciation, about finances and affordability of medical bills) 35,36,[50][51][52]54,56,68,69 Body image and Self-esteem problems 41,50,51,62,70 Dignity, loss of independence, loss of control 36,37,41,43,48,49,53,56,69 Failed coping (acceptance with hopelessness), denial 31,33,36,40,49,54,71 Somatised symptoms -depression and anxiety as sleeplessness 57 Poor emotional support in hospital 39,…”

“…Isolation and loneliness 33,40,41,44,50,51,53,56,66,74,77 Deteriorating social and family networks 49,56,66,67,69,77 Discrimination and stigma due to illness cause (promiscuity based or mysterious) 35,40,51,53,56,62,67,77 Cultural interpretations of problems 45 Libido problems, Sexual needs and intimacy 35,50,51,52,67 Fear of disclosure 52,53,56,71 Strain on relationship with family and friends 31,48,49,52,54 Gender-specific impacts on women (exacerbated domestic violence) 67 Restricted social networks 60,79 Restricted social participation 59,61,76 Coping with complex family dynamics and Disintegrating extended family 45,59 Homec...…”

“…Inability to earn income or unemployment 31,32,36,41,51,66 Paying medical bills 31,36,39,43,49,50,53,54,66,71,74,82,86 Cost of medications 31,37,38,44,49,54,77 Securing transportation to appointments 32,40,44,48,49,53,66,68,87 Paying children's school fee 31,37,39,40,44,46,54,62,87 Selling Assets 37,66,82 Food insecurity and struggles 32,40,41,45,48,…”

Palliative care needs of patients living with end-stage kidney disease not treated with renal replacement therapy: An exploratory qualitative study from Blantyre, Malawi

“…That which is available is for patients treated with RRT, including a recent quantitative study at our hospital examining the quality of life of patients with ESKD treated with RRT using structured questionnaires. 8 Small et al 9 explored the quality of life and palliative care needs of patients receiving haemodialysis for ESKD in Namibia using a qualitative approach. The issues which emerged from the interviews were loss of independence and spontaneous activities, and strain on relationships and feelings of physiological changes and weakness.…”