Experiences of adults who underwent peritoneal dialysis in childhood: retrospective and qualitative study

Although there are numerous studies on the parents of children undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment, there are only a limited number of studies examining what children undergoing PD treatment experience until adulthood and their experiences with PD treatment during childhood. The aim of this study is to examine the changes that occur in the lives of adults who received PD treatment during childhood after diagnosis and their experiences related to the treatment process.

This retrospective and qualitative study was conducted with 18 adult participants living in the province of Izmir in Turkey who had received at least 6 months of PD treatment during childhood. Participants were selected using snowball sampling. A semi-structured interview form was used as the data collection tool. Study data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the individual in-depth interview technique. Data obtained from interviews were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis approach.

The study identified four main themes: psychological effects, daily life effects, social effects, and academic effects. Psychological effects include the sub-themes of fear, shock, sadness, hopelessness, and shame. Daily life effects include the sub-themes of changes in eating habits, changes in body image, difficulty taking medication, repeated hospitalizations, stress coping, and adaptation. Social effects include social isolation, peritoneal dialysis room, social support, and personal life. Academic effects include the sub-themes of absenteeism, taking a break from education, academic failure, and being forced to change career choice.

The findings from this research will provide guidance for a deeper understanding of the needs of children undergoing PD today and for initiatives planned in this context.