Lived Experiences of Patients Receiving Hemodialysis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Background: Hemodialysis patients encountered significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frequent visits to dialysis centers increased their risk of exposure to the virus, and travel restrictions and lockdowns hindered access to these facilities. This heightened anxiety and fear of infection, leading some patients to miss essential treatments. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the lived experiences of hemodialysis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using Graneheim and Lundman’s content analysis on 12 patients receiving hemodialysis at the Hajar hemodialysis center in 2021 and 2022. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data were collected via 15 semi-structured in-depth interviews. The trustworthiness of the data was ensured using Lincoln and Guba’s method.Results: The study included seven men and five women diagnosed with chronic renal diseases. Data analysis revealed two main categories including intrapersonal experiences and interpersonal experiences. The first category was further divided into several subcategories including adaptation to quarantine, near-death experiences, reassessment of life, enhanced spirituality, fear of the unknown, escalating daily life challenges, and reservations about vaccines and treatment. The second category encompassed several subcategories including fragility in social relationships, creating virtual connections to reality, external support, and changes in care and treatment routines.Conclusion: Hemodialysis patients showed more adaptability to the COVID-19 pandemic than other patients due to their chronic condition. However, optimal adaptation in similar emergencies requires extensive support from healthcare staff and the wider community.