Real experience of young and middle-aged hemodialysis patients: a qualitative meta-synthesis

Kai Zhang ¹ Zeng Teng ¹ Ailing Li ² Nan Zhang ³ Ruixue Wang ¹ Shuimiao Wei ¹ Cuiping Ni ^1*

• ¹ China Medical University, Shenyang, China
• ² The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
• ³ Shenyang Orthopaedics Hospital, Shenyang, China

Background: About 89% of global End-stage renal disease(ESRD) patients receive hemodialysis.Data show that about 40%~60% of dialysis patients are young and middle-aged. Hemodialysis significantly impacts the daily life and rehabilitation of patients, underscoring the urgency of understanding their experiences and needs. However, findings from previous individual qualitative studies may lack representativeness.Aims: This study used Meta-synthesis to offer a thorough understanding of the lived experiences, psychological states, and needs of young and middle-aged hemodialysis patients.Design: Systematic review and meta-synthesis.Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, CBM, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP databases from the establishment of each database to November 4, 2024, targeting qualitative studies on the experiences of young and middle-aged hemodialysis patients (aged 18 to 65 years old). Quality assessment used the Joanna Briggs Institute's 2016 Checklist for Qualitative Research, followed by meta-synthesis. The study's reporting was informed by the principles of the Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research (ENTREQ) framework. The thematic analysis approach was employed to synthesize the findings.Twenty-two studies were included, covering fourteen countries. The inclusion of twenty-two studies yielded 83 findings, categorized into nine subthemes and condensed into four overarching themes: negative emotional experiences towards illness and hemodialysis, experience of financial problems due to long-term hemodialysis treatment, disruptions to normal life, and seeking multiple forms of support among hemodialysis patients.Healthcare providers should attach importance to this group, to meet their specific needs, and support their active recovery. The goal is to help them relieve negative emotions, reduce financial burden, return to normal life and meet multiple forms of support.