Self-Management Experience of End-Stage Renal Failure Patients Treated with Peritoneal Dialysis and Caregivers in Donkoaka Subdistrict and Singtothong Subdistrict, Bang Nam Priew District, Chachoengsao Province

Abstract

Treatment for kidney failure patients in Thailand includes various methods, such as peritoneal dialysis, which can help chronic kidney disease patients maintain a good quality of life according to their capabilities and live longer, with some patients surviving for more than 10 years. This qualitative phenomenological research aimed to explore the self-management experiences and strategies of patients and their caregivers with end-stage chronic kidney disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Key informants consisted of 24 end-stage chronic kidney disease patients and their caregivers. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and field notes. The credibility of the data was verified using triangulation, and the data were analyzed using content analysis techniques. The study revealed four aspects of self-management experiences in end-stage kidney disease patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis: (1) the meaning of treatment through peritoneal waste removal, (2) self-care practices, (3) self-care behaviors, and (4) factors influencing self-care, which were categorized into two groups: (a) factors promoting effective self-care and (b) factors hindering optimal self-care. For caregivers, six aspects of their experience were identified: (1) feelings about being the primary caregiver, (2) approaches to patient care, (3) involvement in patient care, (4) sources of support for caregiving challenges, (5) reasons and motivations for caregiving, and (6) exploration of alternative treatment options for kidney failure. This research provides insights into the self-management experiences of end-stage kidney disease patients and their caregivers undergoing peritoneal dialysis. The findings can guide the development of improved nursing services in community care, healthcare administration, and nursing research.