Exploring the nature of illness perceptions in people with end-stage kidney disease

Diagnosis and treatment for End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) results in vast lifestyle changes. Despite the high prevalence of depression in people with ESKD, the psychosocial impacts of ESKD are still often overlooked. Illness perceptions enable people to make sense of their illness and are closely associated with depression. Due to the high levels of depression within ESKD, this study sought to understand the nature of illness perceptions in people with ESKD.

In this qualitative study, eleven participants were identified through hospital and online patient support groups. Semi-structured interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and analysed using grounded theory techniques.

Three themes emerged from the data: Renal Conflicts, Forced Adjustment and Coping. The main dimensions of illness perception discussed by participants were Consequences, Control, Timeline and Identity.

The results of this study have practical implications for informing practitioners about the psychosocial effects of ESKD diagnosis and treatment.