Living with Uncertainty: A Phenomenological Study of the Quality of Life among Young Adult Hemodialysis Patients
A Phenomenological Study of the Quality of Life among Young Adult Hemodialysis Patients
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Jam Gabrielle Ramos Cani(1*)
De La Salle University Dasmariñas
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Aya Mushu(2)
De La Salle University - Dasmariñas
-
Hyacinth Ansel Mae Añez(3)
De La Salle University - Dasmariñas
-
Jemerson Dominguez(4)
De La Salle University - Dasmariñas
(*) Corresponding Author
Keywords:
end-stage renal disease, hemodialysis, lived experience, quality of life, limitations
Abstract
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) signifies the final stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD), often necessitating kidney transplants or hemodialysis for survival. Hemodialysis imposes significant limitations on patients' daily lives, potentially leading to psychological issues. Prior studies have examined hemodialysis patients' experiences and quality of life, but the Philippine context, particularly among young adults, remains understudied. This research aims to describe the lived experiences of young adult hemodialysis patients, understand their perceptions of life-and-death risks, and explore changes in their quality of life and mental health. The study employed descriptive phenomenological research with thematic analysis, involving five young adult patients undergoing hemodialysis. Themes such as difficulty understanding their situation, dealing with life’s difficulties, life of uncertainty, and psychological impacts emerged from the data which provided insight into the experiences of young adult patients. Understanding these experiences can enhance care, support, and overall quality of life for young adult hemodialysis patients.
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References
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Dąbrowska-Bender, M., Dykowska, G., Żuk, W., Milewska, M., & Staniszewska, A. (2018). The impact on quality of life of dialysis patients with renal insufficiency. Patient preference and adherence, 12, 577–583. https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S156356https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499861/
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https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S304530
Leigh-Osroosh, K. (2021). The Phenomenological House: A metaphoric framework for descriptive phenomenological psychological design and analysis. The Qualitative Report, 26(6), 1817–1829. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2021.4815
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Liu, Y., & Mao, A. (2022). Exploring the Meaning in Life and the Influencing Factors among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Macau. SAGE Open Nursing, 8, 237796082210921. https://doi.org/10.1177/23779608221092170
Maguire, M., & Delahunt, B. (2017). Doing a thematic analysis: A practical, step-by-step guide for learning and teaching scholars. All Ireland Journal of Higher Education. https://ojs.aishe.org/index.php/aishe-j/article/view/335
Ozkan, I., & Taylan, S. (2022). Diet and fluid restriction experiences of patients on hemodialysis: a meta-synthesis study. http://www.scielo.org.ar/pdf/nefro/v42n1/2346-8548-nefro-42-01-22.pdf
Rohini., & Ezhilarasu, P. (2016). Lived Experience of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: Quality of Life Perspective. International Journal of Indian Psychology. https://doi.org/10.25215/0302.169
Shahgholian, N., & Yousefi, H. (2015). Supporting hemodialysis patients: A phenomenological study. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 20(5), 626. https://doi.org/10.4103/1735-9066.164514
Shahgholian, N., & Yousefi, H. (2018). The lived experiences of patients undergoing hemodialysis with the concept of care: a phenomenological study. BMC Nephrology, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-018-1138-4
Sharif Nia, H., Kohestani, D., Froelicher, E. S., Ibrahim, F. M., Ibrahim, M. M., Bayat Shahparast, F., & Goudarzian, A. H. (2022). The Relationship Between Self-Care Behavior and Concerns About Body Image in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Iran. Frontiers in public health, 10, 825415. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.825415
Senmar, M., Razaghpoor, A., Mousavi, A. S., Zarrinkolah, F., Esmaeili, F., & Rafiei, H. (2020). Psychological Symptoms in Patients on Dialysis and Their Relationship with Spiritual Well-Being. Florence Nightingale journal of nursing, 28(3), 243–249. https://doi.org/10.5152/FNJN.2020.19061
Susniene, D., & Jurkauskas, A. (2009). The Concepts of Quality of Life and Happiness – Correlation and Differences .
Tadesse, H., Gutema, H., Wasihun, Y., Dagne, S., Menber, Y., Petrucka, P., & Fentahun, N. (2021). Lived Experiences of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Receiving Hemodialysis in Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. International Journal of Nephrology, 2021, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6637272
Vadakedath, S., & Kandi, V. (2017). Dialysis: A Review of the Mechanisms Underlying Complications in the Management of Chronic Renal Failure. Cureus, 9(8), e1603. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.1603
You, A. S., Kalantar, S. S., Norris, K. C., et. al. (2022). Dialysis symptom index burden and symptom clusters in a prospective cohort of dialysis patients. Journal of Nephrology, 35(5), 1427–1436. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40620-022-01313-0
Antoun, J., Brown, D. G., Jones, D. B., Clarkson, B. G., Shepherd, et. al. (2022). Exploring patients’ experiences of the impact of dialysis therapies on quality of life and wellbeing. Journal of Renal Care, 49(1), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.1111/jorc.12416.
Aruta, J. J. B. R. (2023). Mental health of hemodialysis patients in the Philippines amid COVID-19 crisis: A call for action. Chronic Illness, 174239532311512. https://doi.org/10.1177/17423953231151231
Avdal, E. Ü., Ayvaz, İ., Uran, B. N. Ö., Yildirim, J., Sofulu, F., & Pamuk, G. (2020). Opinions of hemodialysis and peritoneum patients regarding depression and psychological problems which they experience: A qualitative study. Journal of Infection and Public Health, 13(12), 1988–1992. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiph.2020.02.041
Chiaranai, C. (2016). The Lived Experience of Patients Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment for End-Stage Renal Disease. Journal of Nursing Research, 24(2), 101–108. https://doi.org/10.1097/jnr.0000000000000100
Cudis, C. (2022). Davao City ranks 3rd in ph with most kidney diseases. Philippine News Agency. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1177310
Dąbrowska-Bender, M., Dykowska, G., Żuk, W., Milewska, M., & Staniszewska, A. (2018). The impact on quality of life of dialysis patients with renal insufficiency. Patient preference and adherence, 12, 577–583. https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S156356https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499861/
Damiles, A. (2022) 2022 National kidney month: Batong malakas sa panibagong bukas! National Nutrition Council. Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.nnc.gov.ph/regional-offices/mindanao/region-x-northern-mindanao/7982-2022-national-kidney-month-batong-malakas-sa-panibagong-bukas
End-stage renal disease (ESRD). CMS. (2021). Retrieved April 21, 2023, from https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Coordination-of-Benefits-and-Recovery/Coordination-of-Benefits-and-Recovery-Overview/End-Stage-Renal-Disease-ESRD/ESRD#:~:text=End-Stage%20Renal%20Disease%20(ESRD)%20is%20a%20medical%20condition,kidney%20transplant%20to%20maintain%20life.
Flythe, Jennifer E.; Narendra, Julia H.; Hilliard, Tandrea; Frazier, Karen; Ikeler, Kourtney; Amolegbe, Andrew; Mitchell, Denise; Dorough, Adeline; Lee, Shoou-Yih Daniel; Ordish, Antoinette; Wilkie, Caroline; Dember, Laura M. (2019). Cultivating a Research-Ready Dialysis Community. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, (), ASN.2018101059–. doi:10.1681/ASN.2018101059
Garcia, A. (2018). Parental Involvement Among Low-income Filipinos: A Phenomenological Inquiry. Public Access Theses and Dissertations from the College of Education and Human Sciences. 304. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cehsdiss/304
George, S., Zaidi, S. Z. H., & Kazmi, S. S. H. (2022). Stress, anxiety and perceived social support among hemodialysis patients with chronic kidney disease. International Journal of Health Sciences, 6(S1), 9494–9507. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v6nS1.7184
Hamilton, A., Caskey, F., Casula, A., Ben-Shlomo, Y., & Inward, C. (2019). Psychosocial Health and Lifestyle Behaviors in Young Adults Receiving Renal Replacement Therapy Compared to the General Population: Findings From the SPEAK Study. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 73(2), 194–205. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2018.08.006
Hashmi, M. F., Benjamin, O., & Lappin, S. L. (2023). End-Stage Renal Disease. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
Inkeroinen S, Koskinen J, Karlsson M, Kilpi T, Leino-Kilpi H, Puukka P, Taponen RM, Tuominen R, Virtanen H. Sufficiency of Knowledge Processed in Patient Education in Dialysis Care. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2021;15:1165-1175
https://doi.org/10.2147/PPA.S304530
Leigh-Osroosh, K. (2021). The Phenomenological House: A metaphoric framework for descriptive phenomenological psychological design and analysis. The Qualitative Report, 26(6), 1817–1829. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2021.4815
Libguides: Qualitative Study Design: Phenomenology. Phenomenology - Qualitative study design - LibGuides at Deakin University. (n.d.). https://deakin.libguides.com/qualitative-study-designs/phenomenology#:~:text=Descriptive%20phenomenology%20is%20a%20powerful,policies%2C%20or%20changes%20in%20responses.
Liu, Y., & Mao, A. (2022). Exploring the Meaning in Life and the Influencing Factors among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Macau. SAGE Open Nursing, 8, 237796082210921. https://doi.org/10.1177/23779608221092170
Maguire, M., & Delahunt, B. (2017). Doing a thematic analysis: A practical, step-by-step guide for learning and teaching scholars. All Ireland Journal of Higher Education. https://ojs.aishe.org/index.php/aishe-j/article/view/335
Ozkan, I., & Taylan, S. (2022). Diet and fluid restriction experiences of patients on hemodialysis: a meta-synthesis study. http://www.scielo.org.ar/pdf/nefro/v42n1/2346-8548-nefro-42-01-22.pdf
Rohini., & Ezhilarasu, P. (2016). Lived Experience of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: Quality of Life Perspective. International Journal of Indian Psychology. https://doi.org/10.25215/0302.169
Shahgholian, N., & Yousefi, H. (2015). Supporting hemodialysis patients: A phenomenological study. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 20(5), 626. https://doi.org/10.4103/1735-9066.164514
Shahgholian, N., & Yousefi, H. (2018). The lived experiences of patients undergoing hemodialysis with the concept of care: a phenomenological study. BMC Nephrology, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-018-1138-4
Sharif Nia, H., Kohestani, D., Froelicher, E. S., Ibrahim, F. M., Ibrahim, M. M., Bayat Shahparast, F., & Goudarzian, A. H. (2022). The Relationship Between Self-Care Behavior and Concerns About Body Image in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Iran. Frontiers in public health, 10, 825415. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.825415
Senmar, M., Razaghpoor, A., Mousavi, A. S., Zarrinkolah, F., Esmaeili, F., & Rafiei, H. (2020). Psychological Symptoms in Patients on Dialysis and Their Relationship with Spiritual Well-Being. Florence Nightingale journal of nursing, 28(3), 243–249. https://doi.org/10.5152/FNJN.2020.19061
Susniene, D., & Jurkauskas, A. (2009). The Concepts of Quality of Life and Happiness – Correlation and Differences .
Tadesse, H., Gutema, H., Wasihun, Y., Dagne, S., Menber, Y., Petrucka, P., & Fentahun, N. (2021). Lived Experiences of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Receiving Hemodialysis in Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. International Journal of Nephrology, 2021, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6637272
Vadakedath, S., & Kandi, V. (2017). Dialysis: A Review of the Mechanisms Underlying Complications in the Management of Chronic Renal Failure. Cureus, 9(8), e1603. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.1603
You, A. S., Kalantar, S. S., Norris, K. C., et. al. (2022). Dialysis symptom index burden and symptom clusters in a prospective cohort of dialysis patients. Journal of Nephrology, 35(5), 1427–1436. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40620-022-01313-0
Published
2025-12-22
How to Cite
Cani, J. G., Mushu, A., Añez, H. A. M., & Dominguez, J. (2025). Living with Uncertainty: A Phenomenological Study of the Quality of Life among Young Adult Hemodialysis Patients. Journal of Health and Behavioral Science, 7(4), 972-983. https://doi.org/10.35508/jhbs.v7i4.23461
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Copyright (c) 2025 Jam Gabrielle Ramos Cani, Aya Mushu, Hyacinth Ansel Mae Añez, Jemerson Dominguez
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