Qualitative research on pressure sources of young and middle-aged patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis

Objective: To explore the pressure sources of the young and middle-aged patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis during the long course of treatment. Methods: The phenomenology method of the qualitative study was employed to interview 12 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis,and the data were analyzed by means of Colaizzi content analysis. Results: The main pressure sources of the young and middle-aged patients came primarily from worries of the disease and uncertain prognosis,alteration of life patterns,lack of the knowledge and confidence for self-management,negative self-concept and financial burden. Conclusions: The young and middle-aged patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis undertake great physical,spiritual and economic pressures,so effective measures should be taken to alleviate their pressure to relieve pressure reactions of physical and mental.