Spirituality and religion / religiosity: the perceptions of people with chronic kidney disease under hemodialytic treatment

Abstract

Objective: to describe the perceptions of people undergoing hemodialysis treatment on spirituality/ religion/ religiosity. Method: this is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Twenty-eight chronic renal patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment were interviewed in two hemodialysis units of hospitals in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul between April and June, 2022. Results: the data showed that, in the sociodemographic characterization, the majority were female, married, and retired; Catholic and Evangelical religions prevailed. From the interviewees’ statements, two categories emerged: perceptions about spirituality, faith, and religion; spirituality in coping with the disease. Final considerations: the analysis of testimonies showed positive perceptions in the use of spirituality/religiousness as a method of coping with the adversities experienced during hemodialysis treatment. With these findings, we emphasize the importance of implementing spiritual care in the systematization of nursing care in order to provide relief from the suffering of patients with chronic kidney disease.