Date of Award
10-27-2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)
First Supervisor/Advisor
Dr Rafat Jan
Department
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan
Abstract
Background: Sexual and reproductive health is an essential component of a woman’s life that includes respectful and satisfying sexual relationships without coercion and violence, as well as couples' decisions about whether and when to have children. Reproductive-age women undergoing haemodialysis experience numerous sexual and reproductive health challenges as a consequence of their physical and psychological health conditions, negatively impacting their overall well-being. However, they are reluctant to seek assistance from healthcare professionals despite having many sexual and reproductive health issues. Concerning this, it was necessary to explore in-depth, the phenomenon of lived experiences of sexual and reproductive health among reproductive-age women undergoing hemodialysis in Pakistan's socio-cultural and religious contexts.
Purpose: To explore the lived experiences of married reproductive-age women undergoing haemodialysis concerning their sexual and reproductive health and its impact on their quality of life.
Methodology: A descriptive phenomenological study design was used to investigate the sexual and reproductive health experiences of 10 women undergoing haemodialysis. The research was carried out at a tertiary care hospital in District Malir. A semi-structured interview guide was used to gather data. Colaizzi's phenomenological seven-step approach was employed for data analysis. The data was collected from April 2023 to July 2023.
Findings: Through Colaizzi’s data analysis approach, five themes emerged; Intimacy Redefined; Unveiling the Value of Sexuality in Marital Bliss, Stumbling Blocks in Maintaining SRH, Depths of Despair; From Struggle to Strength, Breaking Barriers: A Call for Action by HCPs, Husband’s Support: A Beacon of Hope.
Conclusion: In this descriptive phenomenological study, women undergoing haemodialysis valued sexuality in their marital lives. They faced several challenges due to their poor sexual and reproductive health, which impacted their marital life and quality of life, though they strengthened themselves to cope with these challenges. However, raising awareness about sexual and reproductive health education by nephrology nurses and spousal support can play a crucial role in the promotion of the sexual and reproductive health of women undergoing haemodialysis.
Recommended Citation
Zafar, M. (2023). Experiences of sexual and reproductive health among women undergoing haemodialysis in Pakistan: A descriptive phenomenological study (Unpublished master's dissertation). Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.