Knowledge and Perceptions of Hemodialysis patients Towards Complications of Hemodialysis at Kamuzu Central Hospital
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Date
2010-11-30
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Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge and perceptions of hemodialysis patients towards complications of hemodialysis at Kamuzu Central Hospital. The study
used a descriptive qualitative design and ten participants were enrolled using simple random sampling. Data was collected using an interview guide and the data was analyzed manually using content analysis. The mean age of the study population was 62 and 70% males and 30% females were enrolled. All the participants had knowledge on hemodialysis and complications of hemodialysis. Common complications were anemia, loss of appetite, loss of consciousness, shivering, fiver, vomiting, headache, infection, power loss, and dizziness. The majority of participants perceived loss of consciousness, loss of appetite, anemia and Vomiting as most dangerous and life threatening. The Participants explained that they could cope with headache, fever and shivering. The challenges encountered include transportation problems, diet problems, inadequate functioning of machines and negligence of the doctors. The study suggests that more hemodialysis machines should be bought? more nurses should be trained and patients should be assisted with transportations when complications arise.