<i>Costs beyond daily survival</i> : Lived experience of patients with dependent end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis in Tanzania: A phenomenological study

Background: Chronic kidney disease is on the rise globally and poses a significant public health concern. Patients with chronic kidney disease are receiving sustainable treatment through hemodialysis. However, hemodialysis is intensive, costly, and requires regular treatment. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Methods: This study employed a phenomenological qualitative approach conducted between May and August 2023. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were used with 16 participants selected purposively. Data were collected using an audio tape recorder and a notebook, and data collection ceased upon achieving thematic saturation. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Seven themes were identified: (1) Threads of survival, (2) the price of survival, (3) the thirst of survival, (4) psychological and emotional distress, (5) physical effects, (6) social concerns, and (7) coping with treatment and the disease. Conclusion: Understanding the lived experiences of patients with end-stage renal disease and their coping mechanisms is crucial for healthcare providers in planning and delivering quality care, that is, centered on patient experiences. By focusing on what patients go through daily and how they manage their condition, healthcare providers can develop care plans that are not only effective but also empathetic and supportive. Expanding dialysis services, reducing costs, and emphasizing early chronic kidney disease detection and prevention are critical to reduce the burden.