Gender Differences in Experiences and Expectations of Hemodialysis in a Frail and Seriously Unwell Patient Population.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Surprisingly few studies have explored the experiences of seriously unwell people with kidney disease on hemodialysis therapy: we conducted a mixed-methods study to investigate gender differences in illness experience, symptom burden, treatment considerations or expectations in this cohort.

Methods

Seriously unwell people on hemodialysis (1-year mortality risk of >20%) at 3 hospital-based units were invited to take part in a structured interview or to complete the same questions independently via a questionnaire. A total of 54 people took part (36 males, 18 females); data analysis was undertaken using a thematic approach.

Results

"Desire to keep living" is the most important and basic thought process when starting dialysis. Fear also predominates influenc

SUBMITTER: Beckwith H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9751676 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature