Experiences of patients with chronic renal failure regarding hemodialysis in Oshana region, Namibia
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Date
2024
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Motivation: Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining procedure for the treatment of patients
with chronic renal failure. Long-term hemodialysis therapy is very costly, time extensive and requires adherences to treatment regimens, fluids and dietary restrictions.
This usually results in many limitations such as freedom, social life, physical activities
and loss of financial income. These changes affect the whole person and may also affect
how the patients on hemodialysis experienced it. All health care workers need to
understand the experiences of patients on hemodialysis in order to give proper evidence based quality care. It is against this background that a descriptive study on the patient’s
experiences with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis was undertaken.
Aim: The overall aim of this study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of
patients diagnosed with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis in the Oshana Region of
Namibia with the intention of making recommendations on how to address future
improper administration of hemodialysis procedures.
Methods: The research design was qualitative, explorative, and descriptive in nature.
The population consisted of participants who were diagnosed with chronic renal failure
on hemodialysis, and purposive sampling was utilized. The data was collected through
in-depth interviews conducted at an intermediate hospital in Oshakati. A total of twelve
(12) participants were interviewed, and the data collection ended as saturation was
reached. The sample size was determined by saturation of data as reflected in repeated
themes. Data on participant’s experiences with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis
was obtained through individual interviews. During these interviews, participants were
asked one (1) central question: "What are your experiences as a patient with chronic
renal failure on hemodialysis?” followed by probing questions to encourage the
participants to expand on the given responses. Interviews were tape recorded and field
notes were taken during the interview to ensure that all experiences of the participants
were captured. Interview data was transcribed verbatim. The data was analyzed
according to Tesch’s eight (8) steps of coding.
Findings: The study findings were presented in six (6) main themes namely; diverse
emotions and misconceptions regarding chronic renal failure and hemodialysis as
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experienced by the participants, the effects of hemodialysis, challenges encountered by
participants during hemodialysis treatment, experiences regarding lifestyle modification,
experiences with regard to coping with the condition and strategies for improving the
care of chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis.
Findings revealed that hemodialysis patients have different experiences: experiences of
lifestyle modification, experiences of physical discomfort and physiological body
changes, problems and challenges such as financial burden.
Recommendations: It was recommended that supportive care toward patients with
chronic renal failure on hemodialysis should be emphasized to reduce the burden from
various experiences. Community mobilization and health education programs as well as
support groups to create awareness should be established to improve the quality of life,
improve their knowledge to foster life style changes. Furthermore, there is a need for
extensive and intensive research in this area
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of master of nursing science
Keywords
Chronic renal failure, Hemodialysis, Namibia, Oshana region, Patient experiences