Changes in the Lifestyle from the Perspective of Hemodialysis Patients: Content Analysis

lifestyle changes are one of the most important factors in promoting the capabilities and quality of life in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The aim of this study was to explore the lifestyle changes from the perspective of patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Using qualitative content analysis approach, changes in lifestyle in patients undergoing hemodialysis were explored. Patients were being dialyzed for at least one year. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Purposeful sampling was gradually started based on codes and categories and continued until data saturation. Interviews were conducted with 20 participants. The duration of interviews was between 40 and 85 minutes. Data collection and analysis was performed simultaneously based on the five-step method of Granheim and Lundman. The accuracy and rigor of the research was secured using Lincoln and Guba criteria.
Five themes reflecting the experiences of changes in lifestyle among the patients undergoing hemodialysis were extracted, "trying to follow the meal plan", "persistence in taking prescription drugs," "compromising with the change in sleep patterns," "coping with physical activity", and "maintaining the social and psychological independency".
The finding in this study explored the lifestyle changes in patients undergoing hemodialysis. The therapeutic team must support the patient to gain coping strategies and make essential changes in life style, and emphasize on admitting them effectively in everyday life.