Background and Objectives: End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is the final, irreversible stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD), where the kidneys lose their functional capacity. This condition compromises physical health and profoundly affects the psychosocial well-being of patients and their caregivers. This study explores the psychosocial well-being of individuals with ESKD and their caregivers in Sri Lanka and Poland, focusing on how cultural and systemic factors shape their experiences.
Research Design and Methods: This study was a mixed-method doctoral project. The quantitative component involved 50 Sri Lankan and 42 Polish patients completing the KDQOL-SF Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Acceptance of Illness Scale, and a demographic and medical information sheet. The qualitative component utilized semi-structured interviews with 28 participants: 18 individuals undergoing hemodialysis (10 Sri Lankan and 8 Polish) and 9 caregivers (5 Sri Lankan and 4 Polish). Data were analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis to identify recurring psychosocial themes.
Results: Three interconnected themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (1) Quality of life, (2) Coping strategies, and (3) Medical experiences. Polish participants reported a more favorable treatment environment, with better-equipped healthcare systems supporting their psychosocial well-being. In contrast, Sri Lankan participants faced limited resources and leaned on culturally rooted practices and familial support for coping. While Sri Lankans relied on collective and traditional strategies, Polish participants demonstrated individual resilience and personal coping mechanisms.
Conclusion: This cross-cultural analysis highlights the significant role of cultural and systemic factors in shaping the psychosocial experiences of individuals with ESKD and their caregivers. These findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive healthcare practices and policies to improve the quality of life and psychosocial outcomes for individuals with chronic kidney disease in diverse contexts.
Keywords: End-stage kidney disease, hemodialysis, psychosocial well-being, Health-related quality of life, coping strategies, healthcare systems, cultural differences
