Self-Care Practices Among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Implications for Nursing Care in Vietnam

Aim This study aimed to explore and analyze the self-care behaviors among patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease at Kien Giang General Hospital. The focus was on understanding how patients managed their condition through self-care practices and the various factors that influenced these behaviors. Methods A qualitative research design was utilized to gain in-depth insights into the experiences of chronic kidney disease patients. Data were collected through a combination of structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews with 20 participants aged between 18 to 60 years. The study achieved data saturation, meaning that the last eight participants provided responses that were largely redundant with those of earlier participants, indicating that sufficient information had been gathered to represent the population. Clinical trial number: not applicable Results The key findings of the study indicated that essential self-care behaviors, including nutrition, physical activity, and medication adherence, played a critical role in the effective management of chronic kidney disease. Participants exhibited varying levels of awareness regarding their disease, which directly impacted their self-care practices. Furthermore, the study revealed that family support and available community resources significantly influenced these self-care behaviors. However, various challenges, such as health-related issues and financial constraints, were identified as significant barriers that hindered patients’ abilities to manage their condition effectively. Conclusions This research provided new insights into the crucial role of educational initiatives and community engagement in empowering patients with chronic kidney disease. By enhancing patients' understanding of their condition and available resources, their overall quality of life could be significantly improved. The study concluded with recommendations for healthcare providers, emphasizing the urgent need for integrated support systems that addressed the identified challenges and enhanced health outcomes for patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. These findings provide critical insights for nurses supporting chronic kidney disease patients, highlighting the need for comprehensive patient education, family-inclusive care approaches, and nursing advocacy to address systemic barriers to effective self-management.