An exploratory study to assess the Selfcare Coping Strategies among patients undergoing Hemodialysis at SVMCH&RC, Puducherry

Abstract

Background: Kidney disease can affect body’s ability to clean blood, filter extra water out of blood,
control blood pressure. It can also affect red blood cell production and vitamin D metabolism needed
for bone health, increases risk of heart disease and stroke. Another major complication include
metabolic acidosis. Without treatment, the damage can get worse and kidneys may eventually stop
working. If left untreated, CKD may lead to kidney failure. This stage is called as an end-stage renal
disease (ESRD).
Aim: The main aim of the study is to explore the selfcare coping strategies employed by patients
undergoing hemodialysis at SVMCH&RC.
Methodology: A qualitative approach using phenomenological design was utilized in this study. A
total of 10 patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis were selected by using convenience
sampling technique in a tertiary care centre at Puducherry. In- depth interview process was utilized for
data collection through unstructured questionnaires. Interviews were audio-recorded and verbatim
were transcribed. Colaizzi’s phenomenological analysis method was chosen to interpret the
phenomenon under this study.
Results: The phenomenological data analysis process transformed the set of 10 hemodialysis patients
transcripts into significant meaning statements and thematic clusters. Six themes and 20 sub-themes
were identified on the patients undergoing hemodialysis such as physical health which included
reduced functional abilities and increased tiredness and the patients had overcome the problems
through selfcare coping strategies such as seeking help from others, avoiding to go out and bed rest
for comfort, the second theme was psychological health which included mood instability and the
patients had overcome the problems through spending more time family members and uses some
distraction techniques, the third theme was social health which included social functioning and the
patients had overcome the problems through seeking support, the fourth theme was spiritual pattern
which included spiritual disconnection and patients had overcome these problems through prayer and
meditation, the fifth theme was self-esteem pattern which included feelings of worthlessness and
impact of physical appearance and the patients had overcome the problems through focusing on
abilities, the sixth theme was support group which included emotional and physical strain on loved
ones, financial burden, need for comprehensive support and the patients had overcome the problems
through open communication and joining support groups.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study revealed that the patients undergoing hemodialysis
faced many problems to copeup with them. The most prevalent problems faced by the patients
undergoing hemodialysis were increased fatigue which reduces their functional ability also mood
instability and need for comprehensive support. Majority of the patients used to overcome their
problems by using selfcare strategies such as bed rest to avoiding go for out also spending leisure time
with their family members and seeking help from others. These findings also indicate the important
role for the staff nurse to motivate the patients by creating awareness through provision of information
booklet regarding selfcare coping strategies of patients undergoing hemodialysis.