Lived Experiences of Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Selected Teaching Hospitals in Rwanda

BackgroundEnd-stage renal disease (ESRD) requires hemodialysis (HD) for management. Various impacts of HD on the quality of life (QoL) of patients have been reported elsewhere, but not in Rwanda. We investigated the lived experiences of patients undergoing HD in Rwanda. MethodsThis qualitative study used a phenomenological design involving interviews of 11 patients. The study population was patients undergoing dialysis in renal units at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK) and King Faisal Hospital (KFH), Rwanda. Purposive sampling was used to recruit patients above 18 years who could speak without experiencing any mental or auditory disorder. The data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed through the thematic analysis approach using Atlas.ti.ResultsPatients’ lived experiences included physical challenges arising from discomfort and dietary restrictions; emotional challenges before, during, and after HD; psychosocial challenges encountered with peers, community, and caregivers; and health system-related challenges associated with appointment, lack of access to HD service, and logistics, among others. All the reported experiences affected their QoL during their HD treatment.ConclusionRwandan patients undergoing HD experienced various physical, emotional, psychosocial, and health system-related challenges that affect their QoL. Thus, it is important to enhance patients’ education on fluid and dietary management, provide comprehensive emotional and psychological support, address logistical barriers to accessing HD services, and support caregivers through counseling and financial assistance.Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2025;8(2):246-261