Living on Hemodialysis in the Texas Rio Grande Valley

Introduction: The number of people with end-stage-renal-disease (ESRD) and living with dialysis is a growing public health concern. It is estimated that 7.4 million adults aged 20 years and older have moderate or severe chronic kidney disease. Nearly 400,000 of these individuals will progress to end-stage-renal failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. This video documents the lived experiences of individuals with ESRD receiving dialysis and their families from their own perspectives.

Method: Using the Health Belief Model and Lifestyle Performance Model as the theoretical frameworks, a video documentary of the day-to-day life of three individuals with ESRD living on dialysis (2 hemodialysis and 1 peritoneal) and their family members was recorded. A skilled photographer photographed the subject and family members as well as compiled the video. Questions were asked of the subjects and family members related to living with ESRD and dialysis. Each subject and their family members were videotaped and photographed as they reenacted their daily routine.

Results: A video documentary of three individuals with ESRD and their families was produced. This video enhances the understanding of the human experience of living with ESRD and dialysis in the Texas Rio Grande Valley. It may provide guidance to facilitate participation in daily occupations, to reduce occupational deprivation and to improve the quality of life for all individuals receiving dialysis treatment.