Exploring health challenges and coping strategies in young patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: a qualitative study
Abstract Background Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) presents significant physical, psychological, and social challenges for young patients, affecting their overall well-being and quality of life. There is a lack of qualitative research on the actual experiences and coping mechanisms of young people a...
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| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BMC Nephrology |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-025-04320-y |
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| author | Huiling Rao Yiqian Guo Luanning Qiu Xiaomei Ren |
| author_facet | Huiling Rao Yiqian Guo Luanning Qiu Xiaomei Ren |
| author_sort | Huiling Rao |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) presents significant physical, psychological, and social challenges for young patients, affecting their overall well-being and quality of life. There is a lack of qualitative research on the actual experiences and coping mechanisms of young people aged 18 to 45 years undergoing MHD, and understanding how these patients cope with the multidimensional impact of MHD is crucial for developing effective support strategies. This study aimed to explore the physical, mental, and social health challenges faced by young MHD patients and examine the coping strategies they employ to manage these difficulties. Methods A qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with nine MHD patients in a tertiary hospital located in a new first-tier city in China. The interview data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method with the aid of NVivo 14 (QSR International) software, and all patients’ information was anonymized to protect their privacy. Results We found that the patients faced physical health problems such as fatigue, dizziness, and dry mouth as their treatments continued. In terms of mental health, depression, irritability, and low self-esteem were reported, as well as adverse reactions that also affected the patients’ mental well-being. The patients also experienced social adjustment problems, such as difficulties with role identity, barriers to employment, and reduced social participation. They reported using many coping strategies, including self-regulation and seeking outside help. Family and partner support also played an important role in the management of the patients’ psychological states. Conclusions This study identified complex and interrelated physical, psychological, and social challenges faced by young MHD patients and explored the coping strategies employed by them to cope with these challenges. By revealing the dynamic interplay between these domains, the findings suggest the development of personalized, multidimensional interventions to improve patient quality of life. The study provides new insights into the real-life experiences of young MHD patients and provides practical recommendations for key stakeholders, including healthcare providers, family members, and policy makers. The authors used AI assistance to draft this abstract, followed by thorough review and revision. Clinical trial number Not applicable. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4a66501cc26f41f39c03b9a6721dc6b2 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1471-2369 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Nephrology |
| spelling | doaj-art-4a66501cc26f41f39c03b9a6721dc6b22025-08-20T04:01:53ZengBMCBMC Nephrology1471-23692025-07-0126111210.1186/s12882-025-04320-yExploring health challenges and coping strategies in young patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: a qualitative studyHuiling Rao0Yiqian Guo1Luanning Qiu2Xiaomei Ren3Department of Medical Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical UniversityDepartment of Nephrology Clinic Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical UniversityDepartment of Clinical Laboratory, The First People’s Hospital of Neijiang CityDepartment of Medical Engineering, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical UniversityAbstract Background Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) presents significant physical, psychological, and social challenges for young patients, affecting their overall well-being and quality of life. There is a lack of qualitative research on the actual experiences and coping mechanisms of young people aged 18 to 45 years undergoing MHD, and understanding how these patients cope with the multidimensional impact of MHD is crucial for developing effective support strategies. This study aimed to explore the physical, mental, and social health challenges faced by young MHD patients and examine the coping strategies they employ to manage these difficulties. Methods A qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with nine MHD patients in a tertiary hospital located in a new first-tier city in China. The interview data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s method with the aid of NVivo 14 (QSR International) software, and all patients’ information was anonymized to protect their privacy. Results We found that the patients faced physical health problems such as fatigue, dizziness, and dry mouth as their treatments continued. In terms of mental health, depression, irritability, and low self-esteem were reported, as well as adverse reactions that also affected the patients’ mental well-being. The patients also experienced social adjustment problems, such as difficulties with role identity, barriers to employment, and reduced social participation. They reported using many coping strategies, including self-regulation and seeking outside help. Family and partner support also played an important role in the management of the patients’ psychological states. Conclusions This study identified complex and interrelated physical, psychological, and social challenges faced by young MHD patients and explored the coping strategies employed by them to cope with these challenges. By revealing the dynamic interplay between these domains, the findings suggest the development of personalized, multidimensional interventions to improve patient quality of life. The study provides new insights into the real-life experiences of young MHD patients and provides practical recommendations for key stakeholders, including healthcare providers, family members, and policy makers. The authors used AI assistance to draft this abstract, followed by thorough review and revision. Clinical trial number Not applicable.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-025-04320-yRenal dialysisPsychological stressQualitative researchCoping skills |
| spellingShingle | Huiling Rao Yiqian Guo Luanning Qiu Xiaomei Ren Exploring health challenges and coping strategies in young patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: a qualitative study BMC Nephrology Renal dialysis Psychological stress Qualitative research Coping skills |
| title | Exploring health challenges and coping strategies in young patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: a qualitative study |
| title_full | Exploring health challenges and coping strategies in young patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: a qualitative study |
| title_fullStr | Exploring health challenges and coping strategies in young patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: a qualitative study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring health challenges and coping strategies in young patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: a qualitative study |
| title_short | Exploring health challenges and coping strategies in young patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: a qualitative study |
| title_sort | exploring health challenges and coping strategies in young patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis a qualitative study |
| topic | Renal dialysis Psychological stress Qualitative research Coping skills |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12882-025-04320-y |
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