Qualitative study on the sense of meaning in life in uremic patients undergoing initial hemodialysis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: For patients with uraemia, the most effective treatment, aside from surgical interventions like kidney transplantation, is maintenance haemodialysis. First-time haemodialysis patients often lack an understanding of the treatment, making them susceptible to negative emotions such as anxiety and depression, as well as shifts in their perception of life's meaning. This study aims to explore the sense of meaning in life experienced by patients undergoing their first session of haemodialysis. METHODS: This qualitative study employed purposive sampling to select 11 patients, followed by semi-structured in-depth interviews. The content analysis approach proposed by Graneheim and Lundman was employed to analyze the data. RESULTS: Four main categories and ten subcategories emerged from the data. The categories included: (1) Experiencing shock and loss in life, (2) Longing for emotional and psychological support, (3) Adapting and adjusting to the sense of meaning in life, and (4) Growth and transcendencein the cognitive development of life's meaning. CONCLUSIONS: Patients new to haemodialysis often undergo a complex and dynamic process. Healthcare professionals should implement targeted strategies to assist these patients in adjusting and adapting to changes in their sense of life's meaning.
Authors: Chenyang Li, Yan Shan, Xiangdong Yan, Zihao Wang
Language: English
Subfield: Nephrology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,790
Award: G8740835853
OpenAlex ID: W4413307415