Dyspnoea experience and management strategies for haemodialysis Thai patients during the COVID‑19 pandemic

Dyspnoea in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving haemodialysis (HD) is common, and caused negative impacts during the COVID‑19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore dyspnoea experience and management strategies in Thai HD patients during the COVID‑19 pandemic. A qualitative descriptive approach was conducted. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 participants from three regional hospitals in Thailand, and data were collected using face‑to‑face, individual semi‑structured interviews. Data were analysed using a qualitative content analysis method. The study results revealed two main themes and six sub‑themes. The first is the experience of dyspnoea during the COVID‑19 pandemic, including: being afraid of contracting COVID‑19, leading to severe dyspnoea and death; difficulty controlling fluid and food intake; and reducing HD cycles. The second concerned dyspnoea management during the COVID‑19 pandemic, including: changing dietary behaviour; applying religious teaching; and receiving more help from family members. This study reflects how Thai culture is influenced by both religion and family support. Nurses play an important role in helping and managing patients’ dyspnoea symptoms, allowing patients receiving HD to fulfil their daily life goals during the COVID‑19 pandemic.