Relevant functioning aspects and environmental factors for adults and seniors undergoing hemodialysis: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective To identify which functioning, personal and environmental factors are more relevant to adults in hemodialysis treatment. Materials and methods Data was collected by semi-structured interview, recorded, transcribed in full, verified and produced by Bardin Thematic content analysis. Two independent researchers identified the relevant themes and named the thematic categories found according to the coding of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Results Six men and three women aged between 32–65 years were interviewed, with per capita family income between 1–2.9 minimum salaries and hemodialysis treatment time between 5 to 26 years. Fifty-seven ICF categories were listed: 17 Body Functions, 9 Body Structures, 21 Activities and Participation, and 10 Environmental Factors. Health, transportation and general social support services, systems and policies; doing housework; recreation and leisure; emotional functions, temperament and personality functions; energy and drive functions; sensation of pain; and structures of the cardiovascular system, lower extremity and musculoskeletal structures related to movement were the most reported aspects by the participants. Conclusion Patients’ need for physical/emotional support from their partners, friends and health professionals, including emotional and social support, with health policies, transportation and job maintenance, in order to increase their survival and quality of life.