ADAPTATION TO SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE

Abstract

ADAPTATION TO SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE Akhyarul Anam1 *, Lestari Sukmarini2 , Agung Waluyo2 1. Nursing Program Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman, Purwokerto 53152, Indonesia 2. Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia *E-mail: akhyarul.anam@unsoed.ac.id Abstract The prevalence of chronic renal failure in Indonesia tends to increase in the lower age group (45–54 years). Chronic renal failure may lead to impaired sexual function. A descriptive phenomenology study with in-depth interviews was carried out with 12 participants, and thematic content analysis was applied. Six themes were revealed, as follows: 1) adaptation process to sexual dysfunction experienced, 2) sexual dysfunction experience, 3) importance of fulfilling sexuality needs, 4) behavior in dealing with sexual dysfunction, 5) perception of the cause of sexual dysfunction, and 6) participants’ expectation of health service related to sexual function. The experience of adapting to sexual dysfunction became a meaningful process through partner involvement. Similar research involving more heterogeneous samples would benefit further discourse. Keywords: chronic renal failure, patient experience of the adaptation process, sexual dysfunction