Changes in the Lives of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients and Coping with it: Qualitative Study

Purpose: In this study, it was aimed to determine the life changes and coping ways of peritoneal dialysis patients after peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. Material and Methods: Qualitative research method and phenomenology, which is a pattern of this method, were used in the study. The study group consisted of six peritoneal dialysis patients followed in the Adult Peritoneal Dialysis Unit Center. A semi-structured interview form was used as a data collection tool. During the research process, the interviews with the participants were audio-recorded with permission of the participants. After the audio recordings were written down, content analysis was made by creating code-category and themes. During the study, validity-reliability was tried to be ensured. Results: The findings consist of two themes, thirteen categories and fifty codes. After the PD treatment, it was determined that the participants had problems in terms of nutritional status, sleep patterns, physical activity, social life, family relations, physical appearance, professional and sexual life, and adaptation to life. It was determined that they experienced the most financial difficulties the most in their lives after the PD treatment, and all the participants stated that they wanted to receive government financial support. Conclusion: In line with these results, it is recommended to establish counseling centers that can provide psychosocial support to patients, establish psychoeducational programs, initiate necessary procedures to create financial support within the state, and initiate public awareness on kidney transplantation. Keywords: End-stage renal disease, Peritoneal dialysis, Qualitative research.