Battling Beyond Boundaries: The Experiences of Hemodialysis Patients with COVID-19 during the Pandemic

The study focused on the Experiences of Hemodialysis Patients with COVID-19 During the Pandemic. This study utilized a qualitative phenomenological research design. Moreover, the participants for this study consisted of ten hemodialysis patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 during the pandemic. Participants were recruited from two hospitals in Cebu City that provide hemodialysis services. The inclusion criteria for the study were as follows: (1) Adult patients (18 years and older) currently undergoing dialysis since the pandemic, (2) Patients who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 during their hemodialysis treatment, and (3) Patients who were willing to share their lived experiences and participate in interviews. In addition, The interviews were conducted in person or via video conferencing, depending on the participant's preference. Each interview lasted approximately 45-60 minutes, during which participants were asked to recall and describe their experiences in as much detail as possible. The study highlights the various challenges faced by hemodialysis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, including significant physical, emotional, mental, and practical stressors. Despite these difficulties, patients showed remarkable resilience and adaptability, actively seeking support and information to manage their health.