Exploration of low-phosphate diet management of patients receiving renal dialysis: An interpretive description

Patients with dialysis-dependent kidney failure and treated for hyperphosphatemia receive a combination of dietary advice, phosphate binders and prolonged dialysis. However, research focusing on the challenges patients meet in everyday life addressing diet and medication is sparse.

The objective of this study is to explore the everyday challenges patients meet when following treatment for hyperphosphatemia.

Interpretive description was the methodological approach. Semistructured in-depth interviews were employed to study the challenges patients experienced. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis.

Patients (n = 14) receiving haemodialysis and treated for hyperphosphatemia from two hospitals in Southern Denmark.

The analysis resulted in one over-arching theme; separation in social gatherings and two subthemes; a new social code, and my food and their food. Participants experienced difficulty integrating diet and medication in daily life, especially at social gatherings. They felt separated from others when special menus were provided for them or struggled when choosing between high and low phosphate-containing food. A new awareness of self and others arose, especially their position among families and friends, and how they presented themselves and their social identity to others. Likewise, a new social code manifested itself, which was difficult to accept. Most participants experienced that diet and medication were accompanied by a moral responsibility of whether to accept prepared food with high phosphorus content or not, which affected commensality.

Patients were often nonadherent to hyperphosphatemia treatment at social gatherings. Hyperphosphatemia treatment led to new social identities with new social codes, which patients found difficult to accept.