End-stage renal disease is not yours, is not mine, is OURS: Exploring couples lived experiences through dyadic...

As a psychosocial dyad, couples are greatly challenged by end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal replacement therapies are highly demanding and involve lifelong restrictions and readjustments that sometimes translate into profound changes in couples' routines. However, little is known about the experiences of these couples with this condition. This study examined the experiences of couples living with ESRD.

A qualitative exploratory study was conducted with a purposive sample. Semistructured dyadic interviews were conducted with 12 patients (65.1 ± 12.8 years old; eight males) undergoing in-center hemodialysis for 18.6 (±13.3) months and their spouses (60.3 ± 11.2 years old; seven females). The interviews were digitally audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and submitted to thematic analysis by two independent researchers.

The findings from the dyadic perspective were conceptualized into two major themes: negative impacts (emotional distress, constraints on leisure and daily activities, impacts on couples' dynamics, and difficulties in meal planning) and unmet needs (educational, relational, financial, instrumental, and supportive needs).

The findings suggested that ESRD has several negative impacts that are related to the reported unmet needs, which might difficult couples' psychosocial adjustment to the condition. Both partners may benefit from educational and supportive interventions that address their needs, targeting the couple as a unit. Recognizing ESRD as a family condition is crucial for the development of innovative family-based interventions that can promote couples' healthy adjustment to the disease.