Lived experiences of patients with chronic kidney diseases undergoing dialysis in Uniosun Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a major global health issue that often leads to kidney failure, requiring long-term treatments like dialysis. While essential for survival, dialysis imposes significant physical, emotional, and social challenges on patients, affecting their overall quality of life and coping mechanisms. Understanding these experiences is crucial for improving patient care beyond medical management. Methodology: This qualitative study utilized a phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of 10 CKD patients undergoing dialysis at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital. Data was gathered through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with purposively selected participants. Thematic analysis was applied to interpret the findings, using George Engel’s Biopsychosocial Model (1977) as the guiding framework, which emphasized the interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors shaping the patients’ experiences. Results: The findings highlighted the complex experiences of CKD patients, characterized by emotional distress, anxiety, and challenges in coping. Participants expressed the initial shock of diagnosis, physical exhaustion from dialysis, and a profound dependence on treatment, alongside prevalent themes of fear regarding the future, disrupted social relationships, and loss of autonomy. Despite these challenges, many displayed resilience through family support, faith, and self-care strategies. Conclusion: CKD patients on dialysis face significant challenges, which affect their overall quality of life. Holistic, patient-centered care that addresses these dimensions is essential to improving their treatment experience and well-being. Recommendation: Healthcare providers should incorporate various support into CKD care. Tailored interventions are needed to enhance coping strategies and improve the quality of life for dialysis patients.