SOCIAL SUPPORT: PERCEPTION OF THE PERSON UNDERGOING HEMODIALYSIS TREATMENT

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease manifests itself when the functional unit of the kidneys fails to perform adequate filtration of the blood and subsequent excretion of metabolites, which causes the accumulation of substances that are not necessary for the body. The treatment of renal failure represents a public health problem of great magnitude and relevance, especially when its complexity, risks, diversity of options and cost are recognized. Social support for people living with a chronic disease is an influential factor in the acceptance of the diagnosis and consequent adaptation to treatment, however, it is worth noting that this support is considered subjective and will depend on personal conceptions, as well as on pre-established relationships in their life. In view of the above, this study aims to understand the perception of people with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis about social support for adaptation to the disease and treatment. And as specific objectives: to know the social support network of the person undergoing hemodialysis treatment; and to identify potential sources of social support to be used by the person undergoing treatment. This is a qualitative study with an exploratory approach, carried out in a dialysis clinic in the interior of northeastern Bahia, which had 17 participants. Data collection was carried out from January 10 to 24, 2024, with a semi-structured interview script and the data were treated according to Bardin's content analysis. Categories: dependence and limitation in the lives of people on hemodialysis; the family as the main perceived social support; kidney transplantation as a support to live better. With this approach, it was possible to identify sources of social support that are still unexplored or little explored by this specific group, demonstrating the care approaches, the social aspects involved and how they can contribute to hemodialysis therapy. It is considered that the family represents the greatest source of social support for the people who responded to the survey. This study reiterates the importance of raising subsequent discussions in the academic environment, bringing evidence of the results obtained in order to favor transformations on the subject. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee under No. 6,448,518.