Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease is a common non-communicable disease that is
becoming a worldwide health problem. Chronic kidney disease is a gradual and permanent
loss of kidney function. Hemodialysis is one of the managements for chronic kidney
disease. Even though dialysis replaces the healthy kidney, it has limitations and adds an
additional burden to the individual's life, but here is a limited study in Ethiopia especially
in Jimma that shows the lived experience of chronic kidney disease patients with
hemodialysis.
OBJECTIVE: To explore lived experiences of chronic kidney disease patients receiving
hemodialysis in Jimma University Medical Center, Jimma city, south west Ethiopia, 2022
METHODOLOGY: A qualitative approach, phenomenological study design was carried
out to explore the experience of purposively selected eight chronic kidney patients who are
on hemodialysis. In-depth interviews were conducted using local language Amharic by
using interview guide. The interviews were transcribed and translated in to English, and
the data were analyzed using qualitative data management software (Atlas ti version 7.1.4).
Thematic analysis was done.
Results: This study explored five major theme (1) the perception and biological aspect of
CKD (2) Challenges faced by chronic kidney disease patients (3) Emotional disturbance
and consequence of CKD (4) diverse outlook towards the machine and care at dialysis unit
and (5) coping mechanism with the level of their illness and the challenge they face.
Conclusions: Financial constraint is the main challenge faced by chronic kidney disease
patients which deteriorates their life, challenge to obtain the service and they are obliged
to live with the support of others. Due to the nature (seriousness) of the disease the patients
hindered from actively involved in social activities and previous work; as a result the
patients think the disease is serious and trying to kill themselves. Ministry of Health and
regional health bureau and other stakeholders should give attention on the means of
supporting or decreasing the costs of dialysis and medications up to making it for free
through health insurance coverage.
