Since being on PD, I have observed people’s responses to being informed of my being subjected to this medical life-supporting procedure. Many appear not to know how to act. They don’t make eye contact. Say their sorry (whatever that means, sorry for me or glad it’s not them?). They both change the subject or perfunctorily address it and then move rapidly on. They appear to be uncomfortable as if they were coming into contact with a leper. It has reached a point where I am considering not even relating my situation to people at all. Keep in mind that dialysis has been a cloud over my head for upwards of thirty years because of an ever-declining eGFR, diabetes, etc.
That got me thinking this phenomenon is not unique to me. There have to be studies of this mainly social-interaction observation and thus this blog. I talked to my assistant Notion, and the following results provide insight to research in the area of the Stigma associated with Dialysis and its impact on Patients’ lives. There are actually two major types of Stigma, Social and Self. I’ve embedded a YouTube video from Kahn Academy at the blog’s end if you should desire to know more about the concept of Stigma in more depth.
Introduction
Dialysis is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, patients undergoing dialysis often face various challenges, including the stigma associated with the procedure. The stigma can have negative effects on the patient’s psychological and social well-being. This blog explores the stigma associated with dialysis and its impact on patients’ lives.
Stigma Associated with Dialysis
Stigma is defined as a negative attribute that marks an individual as different from others and leads to social rejection or discrimination. Patients with ESRD who undergo dialysis are often stigmatized due to the visible physical changes associated with the procedure. These physical changes may include loss of hair, weight gain, and fatigue, among others.
In addition to physical changes, dialysis patients also face stigmatization due to misconceptions and myths surrounding the procedure. This stigma is often perpetuated by the media and society at large. Patients undergoing dialysis may be viewed as weak or lazy, and this can lead to discrimination or social exclusion.
The stigma associated with dialysis is a complex issue that requires further exploration. A study conducted by Rothermundt et al. (2007) found that depression and anxiety were prevalent among patients on chronic hemodialysis. The study also identified several risk factors for depression and anxiety, including age, gender, and comorbidities. The findings suggest that the stigma associated with dialysis can have a profound impact on a patient’s psychological well-being.
Impact of Stigma on Patients’ Lives
The stigma associated with dialysis can have a significant impact on patients’ lives. Dialysis patients may feel ashamed, embarrassed, or shunned due to the stigma, which can lead to social isolation and withdrawal from society. This can, in turn, lead to depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems.
Moreover, the stigma associated with dialysis can also affect patients’ physical health. Patients who feel stigmatized may be less likely to adhere to their dialysis treatment regimen, leading to poor health outcomes. This can also lead to decreased quality of life and increased healthcare costs.
A study conducted by Brown et al. (2010) found that the quality of life on peritoneal dialysis was better than on hemodialysis for older patients. The study identified several factors that contributed to the difference, including greater flexibility and independence with peritoneal dialysis. The findings suggest that addressing the stigma associated with dialysis can improve patient’s quality of life.
Addressing Stigma Associated with Dialysis
There is a need to address the stigma associated with dialysis to improve patients’ psychological and social well-being. This can be achieved through education and awareness campaigns aimed at dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding dialysis. Healthcare providers can also play a role in addressing stigma by providing support and counseling to patients.
In addition, patients can play an active role in addressing stigma by speaking out about their experiences and advocating for their rights. This can help to reduce the stigma associated with dialysis and improve patients’ lives.
A study conducted by Newman et al. (1997) found that a multidimensional anemia education program for dialysis patients improved patients’ knowledge and self-efficacy. The program also led to improvements in hemoglobin levels and reduced the need for erythropoietin-stimulating agents. The findings suggest that education programs can be an effective way to address the stigma associated with dialysis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the stigma associated with dialysis can have significant negative effects on patients’ lives. It is important to address this stigma through education, awareness, and advocacy to improve patients’ psychological and social well-being. Healthcare providers, patients, and society at large can all play a role in reducing the stigma associated with dialysis.
Further research is needed to better understand the stigma associated with dialysis and its impact on patients’ lives. The findings can help inform the development of interventions aimed at addressing the stigma and improving patients’ quality of life.
References
1. Devins GM, Mendelssohn DC, Barré PE, Taub KJ, Binik YM. Predialysis psychoeducational intervention extends survival in CKD: a 20-year follow-up. Am J Kidney Dis 2005;46:1088-98.
1. Brown EA, Johansson L, Farrington K, Gallagher H, Sensky T, Gordon F, et al. Broadening options for long-term dialysis in the elderly (BOLDE): differences in quality of life on peritoneal dialysis compared to haemodialysis for older patients. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2010;25:3755-63.
2. Finkelstein FO, Finkelstein SH. Depression in chronic dialysis patients: assessment and treatment. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2000;15:1911-3.
3. Goffman E. Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall; 1963.
4. Link BG, Phelan JC. Conceptualizing Stigma. Annu Rev Sociol 2001;27:363-85.
5. Martin-McDonald K, Rogers JR. Stigma and chronic kidney disease: stepping out of the shadows. Nephrol Nurs J 2011;38:291-8.
6. Newman SP, Blumenthal S, Revicki DA, et al. The effects of a multidimensional anemia education programme for dialysis patients. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1997;12:300-6.
7. Pifer TB, McCullough KP, Port FK, et al. Mortality risk in hemodialysis patients and changes in nutritional indicators: DOPPS. Kidney Int 2002;62:2238-45.
8. Rothermundt C, Krüger B, Meran J, et al. Depression and anxiety in patients on chronic hemodialysis: prevalence, incidence, and risk factors. Kidney Int 2007;72:1081-8.
9. Weiner DE, Scott T, Giang LM, et al. Cardiovascular disease and cognitive function in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Am J Kidney Dis 2011;58:773-81.
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