Experiences of Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Qualitative Study in Bangladesh

Background: Despite the increasing burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its associated challenges, there is limited understanding of the lived experiences, awareness, and treatment perspectives of patients in Bangladesh. Objective: We aimed to explore the experiences of patients with CKD undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in Bangladesh, identifying key challenges and areas for improvement. Design: Descriptive qualitative study. Setting: Khulna, Bangladesh. Participants: Individuals with CKD undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Methods: We recruited people with CKD undergoing maintenance hemodialysis from two tertiary hospitals in Khulna, Bangladesh, using purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's inductive thematic analysis approach. Results: We interviewed 16 participants with CKD. Our findings revealed that most participants had limited knowledge about chronic kidney disease and experienced delays in diagnosis. While maintenance hemodialysis provided temporary relief, it also resulted in considerable physical and emotional distress. Financial strain was a major concern, with many participants struggling to afford treatment. Accessibility issues, such as long waiting times and transportation challenges, were common. Participants expressed a strong desire for better service delivery and reduced treatment costs. Limitations: All participants were recruited from two tertiary care hospitals in Khulna, an urban setting, which may limit the applicability of the findings to other regions of Bangladesh. Conclusion: Our study underscores the need for improved financial support, enhanced mental health services, greater patient awareness, and healthcare policy reforms to alleviate the burden on patients with chronic kidney disease and improve their overall quality of life.