DOI: 10.31067/acusaglik.1946551 ISSN: 1309-470X

Complementary and Integrative Therapy Methods Used in Symptom Management by Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Northern Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study

Asuman Çobanoğlu, Hatice Oğuzhan
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Purpose: The aim of this study is to identify the complementary and integrative therapy methods used by patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment in the management of their symptoms.Methods:The study was conducted as a descriptive and cross-sectional study.The study sample consisted of 150 patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment at three state hospitals located in the northern region of Turkey. Data were collected using a Patient Information Form and the Dialysis Symptom Index. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for data evaluation.Results: The mean age of the patients undergoing hemodialysis was 61.02±14.11 years; 69.3% of them were male; 53.4% of them had received hemodialysis treatment for 5 or more years. The most common symptoms in patients undergoing hemodialysis were fatigue (77.3%), decreased sexual interest (73.3%), and difficulty in sexual arousal (72.7%). Of the patients undergoing hemodialysis, 66% (n=99) reported that they used complementary and integrated treatment methods for the symptoms they experienced. The most frequently used complementary and integrated methods were diet (57.3%), herbs (22.1%), and walking/exercise (10.6%).Conclusion: According to the results of the study, the most commonly used complementary and integrative therapy methods among patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment were dietary practices and the use of herbal remedies, with linden being the most frequently used herb among those who reported using herbal treatments. There is a need for further research to provide stronger evidence for the use of complementary and integrated treatment in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.

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