The social-economic life experiences of patients on kidney haemodialysis in Botswana

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the social-economic life experiences of patients undergoing kidney haemodialysis at a public healthcare facility in a developing country, Botswana. The research setting was one of the public healthcare facilities with a haemodialysis clinic in Gaborone, Botswana. This study adopted a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design based on phenomenological guidance. The population for the study was patients, over the age of 18, who had been undergoing haemodialysis treatment. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to select potential participants. The sample ultimately comprised 10 participants. Data were collected through in-depth, face-toface, semi-structured interviews, and field notes were taken during data collection. A digital audio recorder was also used throughout the interviews. Data were analysed thematically using Creswell’s six-step model. The findings revealed that the participants on haemodialysis treatment appreciated the treatment, but experienced challenges related to physical and psychosocial factors; fear of death; transport challenges and distance from the haemodialysis centre; dietary restrictions; impact of time-related challenges on socioeconomic activities; economic difficulties; and altered responsibility and relationship with family and at the community level. The participants recommended improvements for their quality of life by decentralising haemodialysis services, improving the availability and accessibility to haemodialysis machines and skilled professionals, and making alternative treatment options available, such as kidney transplants. They also requested psychosocial services, and the establishment of a safety net for haemodialysis patients.