DIFFICULTIES OF SELECTED PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY FAILURE UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS AT LIBRENG DIALYSIS CENTER AT GAPAN, NUEVA ECIJA

Abstract

Patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment often experience various difficulties due to the nature of their condition. Thus, this study aimed to understand the difficulties encountered by selected patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis treatment at the Libreng Dialysis Center in Gapan, Nueva Ecija. This study used a phenomenological research design to identify the difficulties of selected patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis at libreng dialysis center at Gapan, Nueva Ecija. There were 15 participants present in this study. The instruments that the researchers used were semi-structured interviews and audio recordings. The data were analyzed by applying thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the majority of participants were female and aged between 50 and 60 years old. The study identified several difficulties experienced by patients following their diagnosis of chronic kidney failure, including financial problems, physical and mental health challenges, unemployment, and transportation-related concerns. The results also showed that participants employed various coping strategies to manage their condition, such as strengthening their faith in God, practicing self-motivation and acceptance, and relying on social support from family members and relatives. The findings indicated that patients experienced financial difficulties due to additional medical expenses, despite receiving treatment at a free dialysis center. The results also showed that many patients continued to struggle with post-dialysis symptoms, such as dizziness and fatigue, even after prolonged treatment, suggesting limited physiological adaptation. Understanding the challenges faced by patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis can help improve patient care, enhance support from healthcare facilities and families, and empower patients to better manage their condition for an improved quality of life. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the difficulties associated with chronic kidney failure and provides valuable insights for patients, families, and healthcare workers.