title: Perceptions regarding death and dying of individuals with chronic kidney disease.
abstract: This research explores perceptions regarding death and dying among people with chronic kidney disease. The methodology for the study was narrative inquiry informed by social constructivism. In-depth narrative interviews were conducted on two occasions with 14 participants. The participants included 10 men and 4 women (mean age of 66) who were treated in a mid-size Canadian city. Four themes relating to death and dying emerged from the data: awareness of death as a consequence of kidney failure, close calls, contemplation of suicide and/or withdrawal from dialysis, and preparing for death while living life. From the findings, it appeared that participants were very aware of the risk of dying from their illness, experienced serious health crises, and planned for their deaths. They were comfortable in discussing death and dying and acknowledged withdrawal from dialysis as an option.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. anita.molzahn@ualberta.ca
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Molzahn
authors.forename: Laurene
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sheilds
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bruce
authors.forename: Kelli I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Stajduhar
authors.forename: Kara Schick
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Makaroff
authors.forename: Rosanne
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Beuthin
authors.forename: Sheryl
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shermak
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001293:Attitude to Death; D002170:Canada; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000523:psychology*; D059020:Suicidal Ideation