The experience of social isolation in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis：A qualitative study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Social isolation(SI), as a negative psychological state, can aggravate sleep disturbances and deterioration of renal function, seriously jeopardizing physical health, which is particularly prominent in peritoneal dialysis(PD) patients. However, most of the current research in this field is quantitative, and there are few qualitative studies on SI in PD patients. Understanding patients' psychological experience of SI is essential for the targeted design of intervention programs. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the experience of SI among PD patients. Methods: 12 peritoneal dialysis patients who were hospitalized in a tertiary hospital in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, were selected for the study using purposive sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to collect data, and content analysis methods were used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 3 themes and 12 sub-themes were analyzed and extracted from this study,namely:(1) Dialysis treatment inspires problems of social isolation(Low self-esteem and sensitivity, Fear and concern, Self-isolation and avoidance, Alienated by others); (2) Patients struggle to escape the effects of social isolation(Increasing cognitive and behavioral management, Seeking support from within the family, Compromise and Growth, Reinventing the value of life); (3) Multiple obstacles exacerbate the plight of social isolation(Shackles of over protection, Agony of public misunderstanding, Burden of treatment expenditure, Deficiencies in support systems). Conclusion: This study provides insight into the experience of SI in PD patients and the reasons for it. The findings has shown that PD patients have significant psychological problems because of SI. Participants experience low self-esteem, worry, and reduced socialization, and they need more emotional and social support to get through it.