A scoping review of family caregivers' experiences in caring for patients with kidney failure undergoing haemodialysis: evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa.

Siyanda A  Ngema; Siyabonga Buthelezi

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2075

Authors

Ngema Siyanda A Tshwane University of Technology, Faculty of Science, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science, Pretoria, South Africa
Siyabonga Buthelezi Tshwane University of Technology, Faculty of Science, Adelaide Tambo School of Nursing Science, Pretoria, South Africa.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i12.2075

Keywords:

Family caregivers, Kidney Failure, End-Stage Kidney Disease, Haemodialysis, Sub-Saharan Africa, Qualitative research, Healthcare systems, Chronic kidney disease, Scoping Review

Abstract

Background
Kidney failure (KF) poses a significant burden and role changes on family caregivers who provide essential support to patients undergoing haemodialysis.

Objective
This scoping review synthesises available evidence on the caring experiences, challenges, and support needs of family caregivers of patients with kidney failure receiving haemodialysis treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Charting Methods
Two reviewers independently selected articles based on the agreed search strategy and inclusion criteria. Following the selection process, both reviewers independently extracted data from the included studies to ensure accuracy and reliability of the findings.

Eligibility Criteria
The review included qualitative primary studies written in English that focused on family caregivers of patients with kidney failure receiving haemodialysis in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Sources of Evidence
Literature was searched across three relevant databases: PubMed, Medline, and ScienceDirect. The search strategy was designed to capture studies examining the experiences of family caregivers in the Sub-Saharan African context.

Results
The final review included two qualitative studies conducted in Rwanda and Tanzania between 2021 and 2025. Analysis of these studies revealed four major themes: healthcare provider-family caregiver interactions, challenges within the healthcare system and accessibility of dialysis treatment, the multidimensional impact of long-term caregiving, and coping mechanisms and adaptation strategies.

Conclusions
Family caregivers experience significant physical, emotional, social, and financial burdens while caring for kidney failure patients. Healthcare systems in Sub-Saharan Africa need to develop comprehensive support frameworks that address the needs of caregivers and improve patient outcomes.

Recommendations
Healthcare providers should prioritise the implementation of family-centred care training programs and establish structured communication protocols with caregivers.

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