Vol. 3 No. 2 (2026): August 2026
Articles

From Diagnosis to Hemodialysis Initiation: Lived Experiences of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in Bulacan, Philippines

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  • Marissa C. Advincula ,
  • Neriza C. Bacus,
  • Jannah L. Bautista,
  • Ireneo F. Buenaflor,
  • Princess Lean M. Marte,
  • Glenn Ford D. Valdez,
  • Regie P. De Jesus,
  • Teodora M. Delos Reyes
Marissa C. Advincula
Dr. Yanga's Colleges, Inc., Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines
Neriza C. Bacus
Dr. Yanga's Colleges, Inc., Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines
Jannah L. Bautista
Dr. Yanga's Colleges, Inc., Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines
Ireneo F. Buenaflor
Dr. Yanga's Colleges, Inc., Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines
Princess Lean M. Marte
Dr. Yanga's Colleges, Inc., Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines
Glenn Ford D. Valdez
Dr. Yanga's Colleges, Inc., Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines; Department of Nursing Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Regie P. De Jesus
Dr. Yanga's Colleges, Inc., Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines
Teodora M. Delos Reyes
Dr. Yanga's Colleges, Inc., Bocaue, Bulacan, Philippines
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70848/cnj.v3i2.132

Published 2026-08-07

Keywords

  • Chronic Kidney Disease,
  • Hemodialysis Initiation,
  • Lived Experience,
  • Patient Support

How to Cite

Advincula , M. C., Bacus, N. C., Bautista, J. L., Buenaflor, I. F., Marte, P. L. M., Valdez, G. F. D., … Reyes, T. M. D. (2026). From Diagnosis to Hemodialysis Initiation: Lived Experiences of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in Bulacan, Philippines. Celebes Nursing Journal, 3(2), 458–469. https://doi.org/10.70848/cnj.v3i2.132

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease is characterized by an irreversible and progressive decline in kidney function and remains a major global public health concern. Its increasing prevalence in the Philippines is concerning; however, few studies have examined patients’ lived experiences within the country’s cultural and healthcare context. Objective: This study aimed to describe Filipino patients’ transition from chronic kidney disease diagnosis to hemodialysis initiation in Bulacan, Philippines. Methods: This descriptive phenomenological study used purposive sampling to recruit six participants who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method. Results: The findings indicated that most participants experienced fear, anxiety, denial, abrupt lifestyle changes, and physical discomfort during the initial stages of treatment. As they continued their treatment journey, they gradually became more accepting and adjusted to their new reality despite experiencing considerable physical, emotional, and financial difficulties. This process was supported by their families, healthcare providers, peers, and spirituality. Conclusion: The participants’ experiences underscore the importance of providing holistic, patient-centered care, greater emotional support, and structured education to improve the overall health and quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis.

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