Differences in illness representations in patients with chronic kidney disease

ConclusionIllness representations differ with CKD stages and symptom burden. The patients in earlier disease stages or with fewer symptoms did not hold as strong beliefs about their illness as being a threat as those in advanced stages or with more symptoms. Self‐blame emerged as a common causal attribution. Patients did not always relate symptoms to CKD, therefore this study identifies a gap in patients’ disease knowledge, especially in earlier stages of the condition.

Source: Journal of Renal Care - March 1, 2015 Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Agneta A. Pagels, Birgitta Klang, Söderquist Susanne Heiwe Tags: Original Research Source Type: research