Patients Lived Experiences Regarding Deep Breathing Exercises to Reduce Anxiety, Fatigue, and Discomfort for Patients on the Maintenance Hemodialysis: Randomized Trial Study

Abstract Background and Objectives: Chronic kidney disease represents a significant public health challenge that impacts millions of individuals globally, encompassing both genders. This investigation seeks to analyze the efficacy of deep breathing techniques in alleviating anxiety, fatigue, and discomfort experienced by patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled experimental research involved a sample of 108 patients (54 individuals in each group), all of whom were receiving HD in hospitalized adult populations from November 2024 to February 2025. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of deep breathing on levels of anxiety, fatigue, and discomfort during the HD process. Data collection was accomplished through a structured information form, a Discomfort Questionnaire Scale for assessing discomfort, and an Anxiety Scale. The data were subjected to statistical analysis utilizing Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 27. Results: The demographic profile of the participants engaged in this study ranged from 18 years of age and older, with an average age of (48.96 ± 12.490) years in the study group and (48.48 ± 13.729) years in the control group, revealing a predominance of male participants in the study group (70.4%), whereas the control group comprised (64.8%) male individuals. Conclusions: Engaging in deep breathing exercises for 20 min, twice daily over a period of 3 weeks, has the potential to significantly diminish levels of anxiety, fatigue, and discomfort among patients undergoing maintenance HD.