The Psychosocial Consequences of Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Dietary Changes in Patients Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis for End-Stage Renal Disease: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Patients receiving renal replacement therapies for end-stage renal disease experience markedly poorer quality of life than healthy individuals. Patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis experience mood disorders, body image disturbance, and changes in lifestyle and relationships. Research has also shown that gastrointestinal symptoms are common among this patient group, however, the literature exploring their relation to patients’ psychosocial wellbeing is yet to be summarised. This narrative review will therefore discuss the relevant quantitative and qualitative research regarding the impacts of peritoneal dialysis on patients’ psychological wellbeing and quality of life, including evidence suggesting the negative role of GI dysfunction in these issues.