Self-care Experiences of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 4

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the self-care experiences of patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4. To be eligible for participation, 30 participants had to meet the following requirements: be diagnosed as patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4 by a physician, had a glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 15 and 29%, they had to be residents of Yala city municipality, and be willing to participate in and provide information for the study. Collecting data by using in-depth interviews and non-participant observation. Data analysis was conducted by using thematic analysis.

According to the findings, the self-care experiences of patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4 were categorized by key informants into two primary topics: (1) The definition of experience with chronic kidney disease stage 4 were three characteristics: (1) Comorbidity disease with diabetes mellitus and hypertension; (2) Salty, fatty, and seasoning eating behavior; and (3) Uncurable disease risking for hemodialysis, and  (2) Patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4 had six components of self-care experiences: (1) Reduced salty, avoided seasoning; (2) Frequently walking exercise; (3) Meditation, reducing stress; (4) Cleaning; reducing germs; (5) Avoiding vices; and (6) Frequently taking medication.

The study's conclusions can enhance understanding of the self-care experiences of patients with chronic kidney disease stage 4 in relation to context, lifestyle, and culture, as well as issues and obstacles in self-care. Furthermore, it may serve as the starting point for similar studies that improve self-care to further delay the progression of kidney disease.