Perceptions of Hemodialysis Patients Related to Their Psychosocial Problems

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to reveal the psychosocial problem perceptions of hemodialysis patients.

MATERIAL and METHODS: This study was carried out using the in-depth interview technique of the qualitative research method with 12 patients in a private dialysis center in Ankara.

RESULTS: Four themes were created as a result of analyzing the data obtained from the illness narratives. These themes were abandonment, longing for the past, social support and forced undesired sexual intercourse.

CONCLUSION: The most important result of this study was that psychosocial problem perceptions of the patients vary depending on the patient’s gender, but are generally shaped by the societal gender perspective.