In-Center Hemodialysis Experiences Among Latinx Adults: A Qualitative Study

Rationale & Objective

Latinx individuals are more likely to start and remain receiving in-center hemodialysis, over home dialysis, than non-Latinx White individuals. The objective of our study was to understand the drivers of sustained in-center dialysis and deterrents of switching to home dialysis use for Latinx individuals receiving in-center dialysis.

Study Design

This qualitative study used semistructured one-on-one interviews.

Setting and Participants

Latinx adults receiving in-center hemodialysis therapy at 2 urban dialysis clinics in Denver, Colorado between November 2021 and March 2023.

Exposures

In-center hemodialysis, Latinx ethnicity.

Outcomes

Qualitative.

Analytical Approach

Interviews were analyzed with thematic analysis using inductive coding. Theoretical framework development used principles of grounded theory.

Results

In total, 25 Latinx adults (10 [40%] female and 15 [60%] male) receiving in-center hemodialysis therapy participated. One theme demonstrated that Latinx individuals experienced hardship with in-center dialysis but used Latinx values to persevere: Psychosocial resilience using Latinx cultural values (faith and spiritual coping, belief in predestination and acceptance, optimism and positive attitude toward treatment, and positive relationships with health care professionals and peers). Two themes illustrate barriers to starting or switching to home dialysis: Insufficient knowledge of kidney replacement therapy (lack of awareness of kidney disease, lack of preparation for dialysis) and Barriers to patient-centered decision making in dialysis treatment (lack of peer perspective to guide dialysis decision making, fear and apprehension of home dialysis, lack of socioemotional support, perception of housing issues).

Limitations

Most participants were from the same geographic area and country of origin, and some may have been uninsured because of immigration status.

Conclusions

As Latinx people are less likely to be treated with home dialysis modalities, this study offers important context as to what factors drove sustained in-center dialysis use for this population. Coping mechanisms that promoted resilience with in-center dialysis treatment motivated individuals to remain on in-center hemodialysis, and positive dialysis relationships in the dialysis center strengthened this experience. Switching to home dialysis is hindered by lack of knowledge as well as lack of patient-centered dialysis decision making. Understanding the drivers of sustained in-center hemodialysis use for Latinx individuals is important for future efforts at improving patient-centered education, framing conversations around modality choice, and care for this population.

Plain-Language Summary

Latinx individuals are more likely to receive in-center hemodialysis over home dialysis (peritoneal and home hemodialysis) compared with non-Latinx White individuals. This study interviewed Latinx individuals undergoing in-center hemodialysis in Denver, Colorado. Coping mechanisms driving by a cultural belief system of faith, fatalism, and optimism encouraged staying on in-center hemodialysis, and patients enjoyed the social element of hemodialysis. We found lack of awareness and preparation for kidney disease influenced starting and remaining on in-center dialysis. Switching to home dialysis was hindered by a fear, as well as lack of support and housing issues. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving education and conversations about dialysis options for Latinx individuals, particularly those already receiving in-center dialysis.