Adaptation Experience among Hemodialysis of Women with End-Stage Renal Disease

Purpose: This study was a qualitative study to explore and understand the adaptation experiences of hemodialysis among women with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and to develop a substantive theory using the grounded theory method. Methods: Participants were 15 female patients who underwent hemodialysis for ESRD treatment from three general hospitals. The data were collected through in-depth individual interviews. Results: The adaptation experience of participants was emerged as a process of taking care and enduring. There were four adaptation stages as a negative, despair, receptive, and maintenance period in reference to hemodialysis. The causal conditions were a vague expectations of recovery and refusal to undergo hemodialysis. The core phenomenon was that of confinement to dialysis machine. The contextual conditions for this phenomenon were the loss of femininity. They used action/interaction strategies such as transition their life with a focus on hemodialysis, seeking information, and learning how to take care of their body. Through this process, they had a strong will to live or had sustained their life. Conclusion: These results indicate that there is a need for nurses to understand the different steps of adaptation experiences of the given patient population. It is necessary for nurses to support them to lead their life as much normal as possible and improve the adaptation experience of ESRD.

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