Patients' Response to Early Stages Chronic Kidney Disease: Learn To Recognise the Illness

Early stages of chronic kidney disease may have no symptoms; therefore, the identification and treatment of these manifestations early possibly help in preventing a transition into kidney failure and subsequently prevent the risks of progression. This study aimed at exploring the experience of self-management conducted by patients with early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). A descriptive phenomenological qualitative design was used, which required the recruitment of fifteen participants, using a purposive sampling technique. Furthermore, the data collection instruments employed consisted of in-depth interviews, field notes, and tape recordings. In addition, interview guidelines were prepared based on the objectives of the research which were further translated into a number of questions, to explore the experiences of patients, and the Colaizzi method was applied in data analysis. The results characterised the decisions to perform self-management, dealing with a health condition and social support as important aspects. This study identified several themes in the experiences of patients with decreased kidney function, suggesting that patients distinguish factors that facilitate and inhibit self-management, acknowledging its characteristics and readiness.