Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the occupational changes and perceptions experienced by Mexican Americans with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and their families living with dialysis. In-depth interviews were conducted with 17 Mexican Americans with ESRD and 17 family members. The participants with ESRD described altered or lost activity patterns, capacities and freedoms. With a heightened awareness of death, the family members made altered occupational choices, which were consistent with their cultural values. Changes in the physical body, adhering to the dialysis regimen and environmental restrictions created barriers to occupational participation. These findings suggest that living with dialysis facilitate occupational deprivation among individuals with ESRD and adaption among the family members within cultural alignments. This phenomenon could affect the design of occupational therapy intervention and call for research on the role of occupation therapy services with this population.
Highlights
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a chronic and debilitating condition that requires everyday adherence and changes to accept living with dialysis
Local contact persons in three in-centre facilities and a nephrologist’s practice identified adult patients and their families who met the study inclusion criteria: (1) diagnosis of ESRD for 6 months or more living with dialysis; (2) a family member who may or may not be the primary caregiver; and (3) a resident of Cameron County, Texas
The final sample consisted of 17 Mexican Americans with ESRD and 17 family members
Summary
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a chronic and debilitating condition that requires everyday adherence and changes to accept living with dialysis. Natives and 1.4 times among Asian Americans. Hispanics have 1.5 times the risk of developing ESRD than non-Hispanics (ESRD Network, 2013). End-stage renal disease necessitates everyday adherence and adaptations to live with dialysis. Individuals must adhere to prescribed medical, dietary and fluid restrictions. Individuals receiving dialysis spend 3–5 hours per session three times each week attached to a dialysis machine. Missing one or more dialysis sessions or shortening one session by more than 10 minutes foretells a decrease in survival and an increased risk of death (Flythe et al, 2012).
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