CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS

Stavros Tsirigotis, Sophia Benetou, Georgia Gerogianni, Victoria Alikari, Marianna Drakopoulou, Areti Stavropoulou

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Publication year:

2020

Authors:

• Tsirigotis Stavros, MSc in Applied Clinical Nursing, University of West Attica, Department of Nursing, Athens, Greece
• Benetou Sophia, Msc in Applied Clinical Nursing, University of West Attica, Athens Greece
• Gerogianni Georgia, MSc in Applied Clinical Nursing, University of West Attica, Department of Nursing, Athens, Greece
• Alikari Victoria, RN, MSc, PhD(c), Department of Nursing, University of Peloponnese
• Drakopoulou Marianna, MSc in Applied Clinical Nursing, University of West Attica, Department of Nursing, Athens, Greece
• Stavropoulou Areti, University of West Attica & Quality of Life Lab, Hellenic Mediterranean University

Keywords index:

• Hemodialysis
• renal failure
• needs of hemodialysis patients

Pages: 163-174

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.4291757

Abstract:

Introduction: In recent decades, the number of patients undergoing dialysis has beeb increased dramatically, worldwide. This treatment method imposes a significant burden on patients, their families and the National Health System of each country. Purpose: To explore  the characteristics of patients undergoing dialysis.Material and Method: This was a descriptive study on a convenience sample of 100 patients undergoing hemodialysis in kidney units in Attica. Data were collected by  the method of interview completing a questionnaire that included patient characteristics. Results: Of the 100 participants, 73% were men, 50% were > 60 years old, 66% were married and 75% were retired. Regarding clinical features, 58% of the sample suffered another disease, 41% reported insomnia, 37% had frequent muscle cramps, 27% had frequent nausea and vomiting, and 26% had occasional itching. Furthermore, 78% of the sample experienced fatigue after each dialysis session and 42% reported feeling well after three days from one session to the next while 49% weighed only once a week. Furthermore, 30% of participants stated that they were very informed about the method of dialysis, 23% experienced anxiety about the course of the disease, while 32% believed that the provided  information helps them to reduce anxiety while 44% stated that they preferred to watch TV during dialysis and 17% to listen music. Conclusions: The findings of the present study provide important knowledge about the characteristics of patients undergoing hemodialysis, which should be evaluated when planning individualized nursing intervention.